By Favour Ulebor

The case of missing genitals is no longer new, as several stories from different persons keep emerging. For many Nigerians, they are acquitted with some of these cases.

In 2023, the trend of missing genital re-emerged again, we notice young men guard their private organs with diligence, some resulted to the superstitious believe of carrying charcoal and alligator pepper to make sure they remain intact when the perpetrator finds them wanting. Women are not also let out, as most of them are scared that their bosoms might disappear.

Often times, the victims claim they felt a sensation in their body after touch or an encounter with someone, prompting them to raise an alarm to attract a crowd, after which a ‘culprit’ is fingered as responsible and passersby become the street court and judge.

During the heat, a request is made of the accused to replace the affected organ, sometimes they are allowed to leave. Most times, they are beaten up, injured or luckily handed over to authorities.

A guise for sexual and gender based violence.

According to Google, Sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, refers to any act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships. It includes physical, emotional or psychological and sexual violence, and denial of resources or access to services. Violence includes threats of violence and coercion. SGBV inflicts harm on women, girls, men and boys and is a severe violation of several human rights.

Many persons have identified missing genitals as a form of sexual and gender based violence, which is classified under crimes against persons; We could believe that in most cases because when offenders (genital theft) are caught, they are immediately beaten to make sure it is returned or taken to relevant authorities to be settled amicably; so we can safely say they are offenders of the law.

Sexual harassment is also a violation of fundamental human rights and consequently a breach of the Nigerian constitution. As expected, the constitution has adequate compensation for any violation of fundamental human rights and a clear procedure to seek enforcement.

The Fundamental human rights are sacred and must be respected by all persons. In most cases of missing private part, which can be related to sexual harassment, the fundamental human rights of victims are threatened and violated. Specifically, the right to dignity of human person, (section 34) and the right to freedom from discrimination (section 42).

 Victims experience

Speaking to a victim,( Name with-held), who shared his experience with vanguard, recalled how his private part got missing.

“My genitals did not fully disappear, it shrunk to that of a small baby, I did not notice who touched me on time, it was quite devastating and at that time I was scared and frustrated. I went to my pastor who placed me on several deliverance sessions and prayers; then gradually it returned” he said.

  People’s Reactions

In a chat with Nigerians within the FCT on the subject matter, Vanguard gathered that some persons are aware and have actually witnessed it, while others claimed to be a novice to the topic.

Questions asked was based on their experiences, and to ascertain if the security agencies are properly managing the cases of missing genitals.

Speaking to our reporter, Chairman, National Youths Inclusive Initiatives (NYII), Fasasi Sodiq said, “I have heard time without Numbers about missing genitals in FCT. A friend of mine doubted it and faulted it as just a myth until he experienced this at Area 1 where a man’s genitality got missing right Infront him. That alone got me more convinced.”

Fasasi who also spoke on how security agencies can play their roles said, “The only way security can put a stop to this is by making sure the culprits are put to book and face the wrath of law to serve as a deterrent to anyone with the intention of doing this. For me, missing genitals can be classified as gender base violence; Going away with people’s genitals is suicidal for both gender” he said.

Another Concerned Nigerian, Samson Tolulope when asked said, “Yes, I’ve heard about it. Considering the laws and policing, it’s impossible to have a missing genitals, there’s no proof to it. But looking at it from the metaphysical perspective it is very possible. I believe security agencies are doing their best within the confines of the public law. Currently the Nigerian security system has been deeply bridged. But for genital cases, there has been no proof whatsoever to confirm any complainant claims.”

A student who identified herself as Ajayi Precious said, ” I have heard of missing genital and I think is very bad thing because it creates a lot of fear in the heart of people. I believe the security agencies are trying their best but they need to put more effort. I also think that missing genitals should not be considered as gender based violence, it is just the desperation in the heart of people trying to go any length to get rich” she said.

Also speaking, Managing Director, Luyi properties, Opeyemi Luyi said, “Missing genital to me does not make physical and scientific sense. How does a genital get missing without an operation? Is it cut off or how? I really can’t comprehend the story behind missing genital until I see a physical example of someone who has fallen victim”.

In her own words, A Business woman, Joy Ameh Emmanuel said, ” I have heard instances of how they do carry it by mere touching, and it will disappear. Well I think the Nigerian police are trying their best because its been a while I heard the story, and Nigerian are now more vigilant”.

The Executive Director, Reality Check, Jennifer Doe noted that she only heard stories of the experience but never witnessed it. speaking on the part security agencies need to play, she said, “If indeed parts are getting missing then it’s more than just a law enforcement problem. However it then means that the police should pay closer attention to the matter than they have done since the inception of such cases. Based on the stories I have heard, both genders have fallen victims of this anomaly and it is hardly a case of violence.” she said.

A Teacher, Diana, who said she hasn’t experienced it or come across anyone who has, added that it is quite scary for a persons genitals to go missing. she stressed that, this could lead to depression, and suicidal thoughts for victims.

Speaking on the role security agencies should play, Diana said “I don’t think security agencies are doing enough, if they are doing enough, they should be able to apprehend these culprits in one way or the other. I believe it is a gender based violence, especially for men”.

In an interview with a Cleric, Pastor Samuel Ocholi said, the cases of missing genitals to him used to be a joke or a cooked up story; but after hearing from a neighbor who witnessed it, made him believe that it happens to people, which made him very careful; although he never did any of the superstitious believe that was flying around.

He also said, “I believe it is not a failure of security, this are fetish incidents and the security agencies cannot detect how people operate especially when it comes to people going diabolical. The only challenge is that they might not take relevant actions due to law of ethics, which has to do with people bringing evidences to support their claims.”

Missing genitals, A charade 

In a conversation with Vanguard, A Public Health expert and Pharmacist, Emmanuel David identifies cases of missing genitals as a façade. He said, it has not been scientifically proven for persons to have a missing genitals, which makes him doubt the stories going around town.

He said, ” I think the whole genital thing is a myth, it has no basis in science, also, there are no elementary studies to show that genital theft is possible. It is a distraction or false alarms or a combination of poverty and anxiety. A lot of people with criminal intent tends to misuse the euphoria associated with the genital theft, to unleash mayhem to unsuspecting members of the public. It could also be related to the unemployment in the country, and I believe it is a trend used by street urchins, and various persons to cause havoc in the society.

“From the basis of science, there is no possibility of genital theft happening. it is not possible. if you check in those places these things are happening, people’s things get missing. I believe the police should investigate critically and when they do, it might be a criminal syndicate trying to raise false alarms to constitute nuisance. Cases like this should be taken to the hospital and if it is not true they should be arrested for incitement and public disturbance, afterwards people will stop doing this.” David said.

Stressing on the role security agencies should play, David said, “The police should set up a special task force that will be at flashpoints, close illegal parks. The police need to improve sensitization of the public, check out signs for mob attacks, coordinate awareness programs and identify collaborators that will be held accountable and prosecuted.

“parts that are missing, can only be declared missing by a doctor and a report to back it up, so if the person doesn’t have a report, it cannot be said that the genitals are missing. Which means, the person has not been violated and the case cannot be classified as gender based violence. I believe it is just criminality.” he said.

Security agencies and their role in curbing the menace

To a large extent, We believe security agencies have played their role in curbing the menace of missing genitals in Nigeria. In September 2023, when the cases of missing genitals re-occurred, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba made a clear notice of its stance against accusers of suspected penis thieves, saying that 51 suspects were charged to court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance.

“The first case of male organ disappearance was first recorded in Gwagwalada on 21/09/2023. It has spread all over FCT whereby as of today we had a total of 62 cases reported.

“51 suspects were charged to court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance. To this end, I want to reiterate my commitment and willingness to always work with you to defeat crime in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.” he said.

In another circular statement, Garba noted that he apprehended and formally charged 14 suspected penis thieves to court for making false claims about the disappearance of their male organs.

He said that the command received over 10 cases, mainly around Garshi, Gwagwalada and the Kwali areas of the FCT.

“The FCT Police Command has recorded over 10 cases of alleged disappearance of male organs across the territory and the escalating incidents of mob action by irate youths. It took the intervention of the Police Command to prevent the loss of lives and property and restore law and order.

“Fourteen suspects who claimed their male organs had disappeared were taken to the hospital where the medical doctor confirmed that their organs were intact and active. Consequently, they were charged in court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance.”

Roles of NGOs as CSR

In dealing with these issues, Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, an International non-governmental organization, trained about 40 journalists in a workshop on Inclusive Investigation Training on Gender Accountability in Governance, in partnership with Gender Accountability and Inclusivity in Nigeria, GAIN, and Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA providing them with relevant information for journalists to become an active voice in the defense of innocent persons who has experienced the trauma of having their genitals missing.