The Uwagboe’s asylum has just been refused and the family have been presented with tickets to return to Nigeria on 28th March 2016. It is imperative for the safety of the mother and child that this is prevented.
Omolegho Uwagboe fled Nigeria in 2001 after her community attempted to cut her. After marrying, Omolegho, at three months pregnant, recalls that ‘six women forced her down in an attempt to cut her’. She managed to escape and hide in Lagos, ‘run and hide, run and hide, until my husband found the money to rescue me and bring me to the UK’. Omolegho escaped to the sanctuary of Britain where she has now lived for 15 years. Although she reached the safety of this country, the scars of her escape remain visible on her face and deep in her heart as she lost her unborn child. In 2006, Omolegho had her beautiful daughter, Eghosa.
Eghosa was born here in the UK and has never been to Nigeria. Eghosa’s primary school teacher says she is an enthusiastic, passionate girl who is a key member of her class and school community. If returned to Nigeria 9 year old Eghosa, and probably Omolegho, face FGM and the risk of death.
David Cameron’s Conservative government have championed, funded and supported anti-FGM initiatives across the country. This is their moment to stand up and prove they will protect the 3 million girls a year that are mutilated. It is essential Eghosa and her family remain in the UK for their safety and to show that Britain will be part of the movement to end FGM.
For more information, see the Sunday Times article about the family here:
http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/article1680123.ece
