An anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activist, Fatimah Olaitan Gbemisola, has reportedly gone missing after allegedly being attacked by hoodlums during a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Fatimah and other activists and volunteers were reportedly attacked in September 2024 along Government Secretariat Road, Ibadan, while protesting against FGM and other issues affecting women and girls.

According to accounts from witnesses, the attackers were armed with sticks, cudgels, machetes and other weapons. They reportedly descended on the protesters while chanting threats against Fatimah and members of her group.

Several activists and volunteers were said to have been injured during the attack, while some others were reportedly killed.

Fatimah was also allegedly stabbed during the incident. She was reportedly rescued by some volunteers and passers-by, who helped move her away from the scene and took her to a hospital for treatment.

Second Attack at Radio Station

The activist was reportedly attacked again in October 2024 at the premises of Fresh FM, where she had gone to speak about FGM, forced early marriage, the rights of the girl-child and the previous month’s protest.

According to the account, an angry crowd had gathered outside the radio station. Fatimah was reportedly moved out through the back of the premises to prevent her from being confronted by the mob.

The incident was said to have heightened concerns over her safety.

Activist Reportedly Missing

Since the second incident, Fatimah has reportedly kept a low profile and has been difficult to reach.

Information obtained from some of her friends and fellow activists indicates that she could not be located as of the time of filing this report.

There are also claims that she has faced opposition from some members of her family, traditionalists and religious groups because of her activism.

However, the claims concerning threats against her, the reported deaths during the 2024 protest and her current whereabouts could not be independently verified at the time of publication.

Fatimah’s reported case highlights the risks faced by activists campaigning against harmful traditional practices, particularly when such campaigns challenge deeply held cultural or religious beliefs.

Efforts to establish Fatimah’s current whereabouts and obtain an official account of the reported attacks are ongoing.