In the heart of Delta State, a family’s faith and the fundamental rights of three young girls are under siege from the very community meant to protect them, writes Olugbenga George.
A quiet Christian household in Delta State has become the unexpected frontline in a struggle against one of the most deeply entrenched and harmful cultural practices in parts of Africa: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Mr. Edward Victor and his wife, Mrs. Doreen Victor Edward; natives of Ekroda and Orerokpe respectively—are facing intense pressure, social exclusion, and direct threats from extended family members, traditional chiefs, and community elders to subject their three daughters, aged 17, 15, and 8, to circumcision.
According to Mr. Victor, refusal to comply has triggered threats designed to force submission.
He revealed that the girls have been warned they would be declared “unclean” and considered unfit for marriage within the community if they are not circumcised—labels that carry devastating social consequences.
“The most terrifying threat is that they have vowed to pick my daughters up from their various schools and circumcise them by force.
“We are Christians, and we cannot accept this for our children.” Mr. Victor said.
The case indicates the persistent clash between modern human-rights protections and archaic traditions—a conflict that continues to unfold quietly across many communities in Nigeria and Africa.
The Victor family’s decision to speak out exposes the powerful social coercion families face, even when the law is clearly on their side.
Nigeria criminalised Female Genital Mutilation under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act).
However, enforcement remains uneven, particularly in rural areas where traditional authority structures often wield greater influence than formal legal institutions.
As this case demonstrates, legislation alone is insufficient when harmful practices are sustained through fear, stigma, and communal enforcement.
The threats directed at the girls are calculated to instil maximum fear. Being branded “unclean” amounts to social exile in a tightly knit community, while claims of being unmarriageable reduce a girl’s worth to an outdated and violent notion of purity.
Even more alarming is the explicit threat of abduction from school, an act that would constitute a serious crime and a profound violation of the girls’ rights to education, safety, and bodily autonomy.
Female Genital Mutilation has no health benefits and is globally recognised as a grave human-rights violation.
Medical experts warn that it can result in lifelong physical and psychological harm, including chronic pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and severe trauma.
At its core, FGM is an act of violence that permanently strips girls of consent and control over their bodies.
“Our daughters are not willing to be part of this.
“They are bright young girls with dreams and a future that should not be dictated by a razor blade.” Mr. Victor stated firmly.
Call for Immediate Law Enforcement Protection
The family is calling on the Nigeria Police Force and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to provide protection for the girls. The threats issued, including plans of forced abduction and circumcision, amount to criminal intimidation and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm under Nigerian law.
Call for Government Accountability
The case also places responsibility on the Delta State Government to demonstrate its commitment to enforcing the VAPP Act. Advocates argue that traditional rulers and community leaders who promote, endorse, or condone illegal practices must be held accountable to deter further violations.
Call for Civil Society and Faith-Based Intervention
Women’s rights organisations, child-protection groups, and religious institutions are being urged to amplify the family’s plight and provide legal, psychosocial, and moral support. Their intervention could prove critical in safeguarding the girls and challenging harmful norms within the community.
The courage shown by Mr. and Mrs. Victor—guided by faith, conviction, and parental love—represents a growing resistance to practices that endanger girls’ lives and futures.
By standing firm, they are not only protecting their daughters but also challenging a culture of silence and fear, helping to pave the way for a future where no girl is forced to choose between acceptance and her bodily integrity.
The question now is whether the institutions designed to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens will rise to the moment.
— Olugbenga George writes from Abuja
