The newsmen reports that the threats stem from her resolute refusal to allow her two daughters to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice she deems both outdated and dangerous.
"The nightmare began in 2015 when Balogun's mother-in-law first demanded that her eldest daughter be circumcised.
“I was shocked and horrified my voice trembling with emotion.
“How could anyone want to harm a child like that? I knew I had to stand my ground.” my objections, however, ignited a bitter conflict within the family, leading to my mother-in-law temporarily moving out.
Despite my husband, Mr Balogun Kabiru, supporting her stance against FGM having lost his sister to complications from the procedure pressure from his family intensified. “They don’t care about the pain or the risks involved; they only care about tradition,” she lamented.
Balogun said that the situation escalated dramatically after the birth of their third daughter in 2022.
According to her, although she had kept the news from her extended family, it wasn’t long before her mother-in-law learned of the new arrival and reiterated her demands for all female children to be circumcised.
She said when the threats started coming in, she was visibly shaken.
"On January 20, 2023, while my husband and children were away, I faced her worst fears, four armed men broke into my home, demanding to know where my family was.
“They beat me mercilessly, tears streaming down my face, they ransacked our home looking for my husband and children, it was terrifying," she said.
Balogun added that with no one around to help her during the assault, after screaming for help, and fortunately, neighbours rushed to her aid.
She said they took her to a local hospital, where she was treated for injuries sustained during the attack and the emotional trauma that followed.
“I feel like I’m living in a nightmare while I am still struggling to maintain composure, I just want my daughters to grow up safe and healthy, free from the horrors of traditions that seek to harm them," she said.
According to her, the incident has sparked outrage among local women's rights organisations advocating against FGM.
Balogun said that many were calling for heightened awareness and legal reforms to protect women and children from such harmful practices.
“It’s time we put an end to this violence,” “No one should have to live in fear because they want to protect their children," she added.
Balogun said she continued to navigate this traumatic chapter in her life, hoping that by sharing her story, she could inspire others to speak out against FGM and advocate for change.
“I refuse to let fear dictate my life,” she declared firmly. “I will fight for my daughters and for every girl who deserves a future free from harm.
As my story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for societal change and legal protections against harmful traditions that threaten the well-being of women and children everywhere," Balogun noted.
