By The Untold Story of Mysterious Disappearance of Waheed After Resisting FGM in Ikosi
The community of Ikosi, Lagos, has been thrown into confusion and fear following the sudden disappearance of Waheed, a father who boldly stood against the deeply rooted tradition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
His whereabouts have been unknown since May, leaving his family and supporters in distress.
Waheed’s ordeal began when his two young daughters were marked for circumcision, a practice still upheld by his community despite growing national and international condemnation. Refusing to bow to cultural pressure, he became an outcast among his people, risking everything—including his safety—to protect his children.
His resistance came at a steep cost. In April 2024, his desperate plea for help caught media attention, shedding light on the brutal realities of FGM. He spoke out, hoping to rally public support against the practice that has affected over 200 million girls globally, according to UNFPA Nigeria. But his outcry made him a target.
The backlash was swift. Traditionalists in Ikosi viewed his defiance as an attack on their customs. As pressure mounted, Waheed’s elderly mother—caught in the storm of cultural conflict—fell gravely ill and eventually passed away. Meanwhile, emissaries from the community made repeated attempts to take his daughters, only to be met with firm resistance.
In his final known act of desperation, Waheed visited Dynasty Television at the end of April, pleading for urgent intervention. “The rise in communal conflicts over Female Genital Mutilation is alarming. This demands immediate government attention,” said Mr. Afajo Olutayo, Head of News at Dynasty Television.
Shortly after, Waheed vanished. His disappearance has raised suspicions of foul play, with many fearing he may have paid the ultimate price for his defiance. The community elders insist that their customs must not be challenged, while law enforcement remains silent on the case.
Now, the people of Ikosi are left with a haunting question: Where is Waheed?
