Two students of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, who underwent Female Genital Mutilation have been hospitalised at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre(NOFIC), Abakaliki.
According to report, they were hospitalised following complications that arose from the FGM they underwent.
The state Director of the Agency, Dr. Emma Abah stated this while addressing students of Urban Model Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Ugwuachara, Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi state.
The event is part of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance against FGM.
This is coming at a time when the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern over the high rate of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) in Ebonyi and Imo states.
Dr Abah disclosed that the two female students of Ebonyi state university are currently battling for survival at NOFIC following complications of FGM
Abah who urged the students not to allow anyone force them to undergo the practice said “two students of Ebonyi state University have already developed problems, we have taken them to UNICEF. They are being treated at National Obstetrics Fistula Centre(NOFIC), Abakaliki free of charge”.
He however did not disclose the identity of the victims.
“We don’t allow the victims name to be mentioned, we protect them . Even when they are talking, we are interrogating them, we cover their faces. So, we have handed them over to the centre for treatment.
“They were mutilated when they were young and now the problem developed. The problem may not be immediate. Ten years after, the problem starts. If you know any FGM persons who have any complication, any problem, send them to us quickly. A stitch in time saves nine, report to us immediately.
“In Ukwuagba community, we took the victims for medical checks to the NOFIC, that has been done. The Commissioner of police has given order that the perpetrators and parents of the victims should be arrested.
