Traditional rulers’ council of Ebonyi State have introduced laws against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in its 87 autonomous communities.

The council also urged various ties of law making bodies in Nigeria to legislate against the practice.

In a communiqué after its meeting in Abakaliki during the weekend, the traditional rulers drawn from about 87 communities in the state condemned in its entirety the cutting of female genitalia.

The document signed by the Chairman of the council, Eze Charles Nkpuma of Ezeama Kingdom, however, upheld the practice of male circumcision.

“In line with the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation, pet project of the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Rachael Umahi, we support such lofty programmes that positively and directly impact on the people, particularly, the recently launched campaign against female genital mutilation ”, the statement added.

“We will give full support to the state government in actualising these goals more so by sensitising the grassroots on the dangers of the FGM.”

Female genital mutilation is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia.

Typically carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade, FGM is conducted from days after birth to puberty and beyond. In half the countries for which national figures are available, most girls are cut before the age of five. Procedures differ according to the country or ethnic group.

•Sourced from The AUTHORITY. Photo shows Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

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