How Nigerian Lady was forced to flee home for refusing deadly Female Genital Mutilation

For years, a young Nigerian woman allegedly lived under the shadow of violence, fear and relentless pursuit over her refusal to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a deeply rooted traditional practice still enforced in parts of the country.

What began as resistance by her parents against circumcision reportedly spiralled into years of attacks, intimidation, displacement and death within her family.

Investigations detailing the case of 24-year-old Tega Faith Edema-Osajivbe paint the picture of a family trapped in a cycle of terror allegedly driven by cultural expectations within an Urhobo community in Delta State. She was forced to flee abroad for fear of her life.

According to findings, the controversy started when Tega’s mother refused to present her daughter for circumcision at the age of five, defying a tradition regarded by members of the clan as compulsory for every female child. The decision reportedly angered community leaders and triggered sanctions against the family.

Her late father, a respected traditional chief who once served among the advisory council to the village head, was allegedly stripped of his title and banished from community gatherings for refusing to comply with the ritual demands.

But beyond the social humiliation came violence.

It was revealed that there were repeated attacks on the family residence, especially during periods leading to the annual circumcision ceremony. Armed men were said to have stormed the compound on several occasions, smashing windows, vandalising vehicles and assaulting security guards hired to protect the household.

One of the most violent incidents allegedly occurred in June 2011 after the family again failed to appear for the ritual ceremony. During the attack, the family reportedly escaped by climbing over the back fence while attackers overpowered security personnel and invaded the property. Tega allegedly sustained injuries while fleeing, while several guards were hospitalised after severe beatings.

Despite multiple reports to the police, findings revealed no arrests or prosecutions followed any of the attacks. Family members were allegedly told that authorities rarely interfere in matters considered traditional or cultural.

Not long after the 2011 incident, the family relocated in search of safety. Months later, tragedy struck again when Tega’s father died after battling hypertension and depression reportedly worsened by years of harassment and fear.

Believing the danger had reduced, Tega later enrolled at the University of Lagos to study Dentistry and largely stayed away from home. For a period, the family reportedly experienced relative calm until another chilling incident unfolded in 2018.

While Tega was living in the United States after marrying her husband, armed men allegedly broke into her family home in Nigeria and abducted a domestic worker identified as Amina, mistaking her for Tega.

The victim was reportedly blindfolded, tied up and transported through remote areas before overhearing conversations suggesting she was being taken for circumcision rites. According to reports, the woman eventually convinced her captors that she had already undergone circumcision, leading to her release after an elderly woman allegedly carried out a crude physical examination to verify the claim.

The incident reportedly shattered any lingering belief that the threats against Tega had ended.

Further investigation revealed that another violent attack in May 2019 turned deadly after Tega’s cousin, Toju Edema, was allegedly mistaken for her and brutally assaulted inside the family home. She later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

Even after the death, the intimidation  reportedly continued.

Her family members remaining in Nigeria continued to face threats, harassment and violent invasions from individuals demanding information about Tega’s whereabouts. In July 2025, attackers reportedly vandalised vehicles, smashed windows and assaulted a male relative during another raid on the family property.

The case also raises concerns about the enforcement of laws prohibiting FGM in Nigeria. Although the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act criminalises the practice, enforcement remains weak, particularly in rural and traditional communities where cultural loyalty often outweighs legal consequences.

Investigations revealed that years of alleged persecution and fear left Tega battling anxiety, panic disorder, nightmares and psychological trauma.