By: Doris Ogbeifun
25th August, 2025.
Brief Historical Background of Delta and Edo States.
The old Bendel State also known as the Mid-Western Region in the 1963-1976 era, comprised the territories that are now Edo and Delta States. These two states shared same deep and complex historical context rooted in the ancient Benin kingdom. Their connection and beliefs are evident in their similar cultural and traditional practices, ethnicities, dialects, food and ancestral influences on the people. In fact, the word Bendel is a blend derived from Benin and Delta. They remain together until their separation in August 1991 to form two separate states. While much cultural commonality exists, it is also important to note that some cultural practices such as early child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Benin are necessarily the same across all of Delta State reflecting the ancestral influences and patriarchal nature of both societies. accepted See: https://nigerdeltapeople.com/benin-kingdom/
Conceptualizing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The World Health Organization (WHO) in her 2025 report captioned Female Genital Mutilation published via https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation noted that, “female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises of all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of new-born deaths”.
According to the US Department of State(.gov) report released by the office of the Senior Coordinator on International Women’s Issues published via https://2002-2009.state.gov opined that “FGM practice involves type 1 (commonly referred to as Clitoridectomy ), type 11 (commonly referred to as excision) and type 111 (commonly referred to as infibulation) bare the most common forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) or female genital cutting (FGC) practiced in Nigeria. Type 1V is practiced to a much lesser extent”. The author further stressed that, “the form practiced varies by ethnic group and geographical location. It crosses the numerous population groups and is a part of the many cultures, traditions and customs that exist in Nigeria. It crosses the lines of various religious groups. It is found among Christians, Muslims and Animists alike”. In the same vein, the report emphasized that, “type 1 is the excision (removal) of the clitoral hood with or without removal of all or part of the clitoris. Type 11 is the excision (removal) of the clitoris together with part or all of the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips). Type 111 is the excision (removal) of part or all of the external genitalia (clitoris, labia minora and labia majora) and stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening, leaving a very small opening, about the size of a matchstick, to allow for the flow of urine and menstrual blood. The girl or women’s legs are generally bound together from hip to the ankle so she remains immobile for approximately 40 days to allow for the formation of scar tissue”. While “Type 1V includes the introduction of corrosive substances into the vagina. This form is practiced to a much lesser extent than the other forms in Nigeria. The report further noted that, “these procedures can take place anytime from a few days after birth to a few days after death. In Edo State, for instance, the procedure is performed within a few days after birth. In some very traditional communities, if a deceased woman is discovered to have never had the procedure, it may be performed on her before burial. While in some communities it is performed on pregnant women during the birthing process and accounts for much of the high morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, it varies among ethnic groups. The enablers of this FGM procedures are usually highly respected women in the community, including traditional birth attendants (TBA), local barbers and medical doctors and health workers. As bad as it is, the procedure is performed without the use of anaesthesia unless performed in medical facilities”.
Responses from Delta and Edo States respectively
The Delta State government has enacted laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2020, the Child Right Law (2009) and even the use of the criminal code in which the relevant sections criminalize female genital mutilation (FGM).
However, in the recent study conducted in by Invictus Africa in Delta State titled: “Womanity Index Implementation Tracker 2023 Policy Recommendations Delta State revealed that, entrenched cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) persist, highlighting the limitations of legal measures in addressing deeply rooted societal norms”. That is the true situation on FGM and GBV in Delta State, no true protection against the weak and the vulnerable. The author further stressed that “68% of the respondents believe that currently there is no dedicated family support unit for GBV, and relevant bill awaits assent.
Consequently, there is no specialized GBV Judges or dedicated GBV desks in various Police commands, the Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), other institutions”. See:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://invictusafrica.org/wp=content/uploads/2024/12/DELTA.pdf&ved=
Similarly, the Edo State Female Genital Mutilation FGM (Prohibition) Law 1999 criminalized female circumcision out rightly. See https://www.edojudiciary.gov.ng/ Section 2 of the law defined mutilation as “cutting, incision, damage or removal of any part or the entire female organ”. According to Imoukhuede report published via https://edojudiciary.gov.ng opined that, “section 4 of the Edo State Female Genital Mutilation FGM (Prohibition) Law 1999 outlined the penalties and sanctions against offenders.
The section provided the actions that constitute the crime, such as:
(a) Person who performs the operation of FGM
(b) Any person who forces, entices, or causes any person to undergo FGM
(c) Any parent or guardian who allows their child or ward to undergo FGM
(d) The female herself who offers herself for circumcision.
Having said that, section 7, spelt out the penalties and punishment such as imprisonment of not less than three years or a fine of not less than #3000, or both.
Meanwhile, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021 indicated in section 11 that, FGM/C is a criminal offense and the updated penalties were made to up four years’ imprisonment and/or a higher fine. Therefore, both the FGM Law 1999 and the VAPP Law 2021 criminalized the practice in Edo State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the question remain has these
piece of laws tamed the criminal act in the State?Disturbing Data on FGM
According to the data from the 2016-2021 Multiple Indicator Survey (MICS) as cited by UNICEF (2023) report, “a Joint Statement by UNFPA-UNICEF on Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation published via https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/press stressed that,
“FGM prevalence in Nigeria is decreasing among the women aged 15-49. Similarly, the prevalence among girls aged 0-14 decreased from 25% to 8% in the year under review. The data from NDHS (2018) as cited by UNICEF (2023) portrayed that, 86% of the victims aged 15-49 were subjected to FGM before the age of 5. The report further stressed that, 12 states including Edo and Niger had a higher than the national prevalence of 9% and 35% respectively. Empirical Studies on FGMA study conducted in a health facility in Benin City, Edo State by Obi & Igbinadolor (2021), revealed that “the prevalence of FGM among respondents were 46.7% and 19% of them had their daughters circumcised. The authors concluded that, female genital mutilation was common among respondents studied with significant association identified between the FGM status of respondents with that of their daughters and intention to circumcise future daughters”. See https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://scispace.com/pdf/prevalence-of-female-genital-mutilation-and-its-determinants-tc7cn4i2c1.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjPrNyo .
Similarly, according to Asylos Foundation (2023) report, “an in-depth study conducted in two major health facilities with large antenatal clientele on pregnant women in Benin City (N=400) and healthcare professionals in Esan Community” on: Nigeria Female Genital Mutilation in the Esan community revealed that, “46.8% (187) of the pregnant respondents were circumcised. 19.4% (77) responded that their daughters were also circumcised. 88.3%, (68), said that, the FGM procedure were mainly performed by traditional female circumcisers. 94.8% (73) disclosed that, their spouses are the drivers and enablers in the decision-making for their daughters’ circumcision which the claim that is rooted in cultural beliefs and adherence to tradition”. See https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://resources.asylos.org/wp-content/uplosds/reports/afri2022-33-nigeria-fgm_in_the_esan_community.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjPrNyo
However, Report Nigeria Female genital mutilation 2023 published via https://lifos.migrationsverket.se opined that, Female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced in large parts of Nigeria, and within all the major ethnic groups, but there is great variation in how it is practiced. There is a clear tendency that the share of girls and young women subjected to FGM decreases with every generation. Although, there are laws prohibiting the practice of FGM implemented in different states but legal prosecution and protection rarely occurs. That is absolutely true. According Ogbeifun (2024) in-depth study conducted in nine (9) local governments of Oredo, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Esan central, Igueben, Esan Southeast, Etsako central, Owan East and Owan West on community gatekeepers and opinion bearers in Edo State (N=57) on: Knowledge and Attitudes towards the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021, highlighted that, the low level of awareness of the law presents a major barrier to VAPP law acceptance and implementation. The qualitative data/responses indicated that many individuals hold firm on customary laws that often conflict with modern objectives of the VAPP Law citing example from the practices such as FGM, early Child marriage and acceptance of domestic violence as a private matter which are ingrained in the cultural fabric of the communities. Saskia van veen et al (2018) research report on “Breaking a Culture of Silence: Social Norms that Perpetuate Violence Against Women and Girls in Nigeria, published by Oxfam Researchers opined that, the silence around FGM and early marriage is linked to harmful social and patriarchal norms being practiced in Nigeria. The authors further emphasized that there are recommended consequences the possible potential victims who refuses to oblige to these norms has to face. Even in the face of modernity and globalization, the culture of silence still persists in Nigeria. The fear of being culturally sanctioned and the obvious lack of protection by the government pressures people to succumb or flee for safety in to new land far away from Nigeria in search of solace where nothing will hold them bound. The gravity of these consequences is severe and terrifying. It varies from community to community. The victim could be excommunicated, ostracized or even risk being killed by their kinsmen, spouse or parent as the case maybe and if one is lucky to survive the sanction which is rare they will have discrimination, stigmatization and stereotypes to contend with throughout your life. Yes, the reality is bad. The prevalence of these practices is the same both in Delta and Edo state.
Conclusion
The people deserve better. The conflicting reality of the VAPP Law and cultural harmful practices fuelled by patriarchy and age=old beliefs and societal norms should be addressed by the government by matching words with actions not by hypocrisy and rhetoric’s. The populace needs to embrace change, adopt a negative perception towards FGM by understanding that culture is dynamic and subject to change as societies globally evolve toward best practices.
The government should be sincere and devoted in demonstrating accountability and ensuring transparency in providing security and welfare to the people.
About the author, Doris Ogbeifun holds a B.Sc in Business Management from Imo State University Owerri, MSc in Sustainable Social Standards from University of Benin, International Summer Term Urban Culture and Politics in the Age of Giotto August 30 to September 6th, 2021 from University of Padua Italy, a licensed Intermediate Social Standards Professional in Nigeria, trained Ready for Net-Zero Growth programme 06 February 2023- 06 June 2024 Cohort from Cranfield School of Management UK. Activist, Consulting, Certified training facilitator, Social crusader, Gender advocate and Public analyst. She is the Founder/Executive Director Society for Empowered Youth Development (SEYD,) a Non-Governmental Organization with a vision to change lives, promote Net-Zero Carbon Emissions, and facilitate a sustainable society free from all forms of inequality, especially women.
