Infibulation, also known as pharaonic circumcision, is the ritual removal of the vulva and its suturing; narrowing of the vaginal opening through creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.
This major act has been linked mostly to cultural backgrounds but its dangers need not be overlooked. It has been occurring for long with reverent researches conducted showing its prevalence mostly in the South-east and South-west zones of Nigeria.
This heinous act is backed with the claim of preserving virginity until marriage while in the real sense, it obstructs the pleasure of marriage (first coitus always painful).
Over 70% of the people engaged in this act are traditional cutters and it is being carried out on 92.8% of girls aged 0-14. These people are without formal education. In the process, these traditional cutters mostly cut the clitoral arteries or other blood vessels which always result in excessive bleeding (haemorrhage) which leads to death.
This practice is unjustifiable because it has done more harm than good to the female gender. Studies have shown that girls who have undergone Infibulation mostly experience Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD).
Infibulation among all female genital mutilation pose a sense of inferiority and suppression of emotions and feelings to the victims. This act/practice has resulted in obstruction of urethral flow, repeat infections (as a result of the use of unhealthy objects on multiple girls) and bladder stones, increased risk of AST.
Infibulation does not only pose a short term threat, it also affects the victims in the long run; causing prolonged and obstructed labour, sometimes resulting in still birth and early neonatal death. Scar tissue and keloid which makes the genital unattractive.
There is need for government to enforce the law on banning of Infibulation because, so far, there have been inconsistencies in the passing and enforcing of the law banning this act and other harmful practices.
For progress in the society, there is need for sane individuals not traumatised ones.
Adino Rafiu Omeiza,
Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano
