Female circumcision: Oyo families decry members’ disappearance

The Olanrewaju family of Aba Ibadan in Iseyin district of Iseyin local government area of Oyo state has lamented the  disappearance of their family members, including Mr Olugbuyi Olanrewaju, his wife, Mrs Mojisola Adeyi and their daughter, Semilore Olanrewaju, since 2011.

In a statement issued to Blueprint in Abuja Friday, a member of the family, Chief Durojaiye Olanrewaju, alleged that Mr and Mrs Olugbuyi Olanrewaju disappeared with their daughter after refusing to bring the latter to the village for “a mandatory annual circumcision exercise.”

He said, “All efforts to bring Semilore to Aba Ibadan for circumcision have proved abortive from 2011 till date. As this year’s event is approaching on June 22, we appeal for Semilore to be brought to undergo the circumcision, as required by the family’s tradition, custom and beliefs. Whoever has any useful information regarding them should contact Chief Durojaiye Olanrewaju at Olanrewaju’s compound in Aba Ibadan, Oyo state.”

Similarly, the Abass family of Iseyin local government area of Ibadan, Oyo state, has announced the disappearance of Mrs Abass Oluwatoyin and her daughter, Cristabel Abass.

Speaking with this reporter, Oluwatoyin’s husband, Mr Tajudeen Abass, said his wife and daughter disappeared from their Lagos home in 2014, after the former opposed the idea of their daughter being subjected to traditional circumcision.

“Despite carrying out series of searches through the mass media, hospital and mortuary, there is no clue yet on their whereabouts. It is important for Oluwatoyin to bring Cristabel to Ibadan for circumcision this year, because her absconding since 2014 has caused the family many calamities. Therefore, anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the nearest police station,” he said.

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