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‘Breast ironing harming girls, won’t stop attraction to men’
Medical experts have condemned the ironing of breasts of girls by parents and other family members, lamenting that the harmful practice was not only a violation of their rights but also endangers their health.
The physicians said the harmful practice, mostly rooted in the north, exposes the girls to infection, breast tissue damage, poor milk production after childbirth apart from leaving them traumatised.
According to the African Health Organisation, breast ironing is a process whereby young girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged and pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely.
The AHO said this cultural practice, which is predominant in the areas where child marriage is prevalent, affects 3.8 million women across Africa, noting that the practice is one of the five under-reported crimes relating to gender-based violence.
The practice can include the use of a variety of objects, such as heated grinding stones, cast-iron pans, ladles, hammers, wooden pestles or spatulas, spoons, brooms, or electric irons.
Experts say the callous practice is to stop or delay the breasts from growing or developing or make them flatter with the aim of making the girls unattractive to men.
They noted that breast ironing, like female genital mutilation, was a harmful cultural practice carried out on young girls between the ages nine and 15, which leaves them with complication of breastfeeding in adulthood.
Recall that the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, recently issued a stern warning that the Federal Government would stamp out the harmful practice during her advocacy visit to Garki Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Council.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who also warned that the perpetrators would be severely punished , expressed worry over such practice in Kpaduma and Pygba communities in Abuja, insisting that the practice is harmful to women’s health.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, the medical experts said the practice was totally acceptable, citing the short-term and long term health risks.
They noted that breast ironing was a harmful cultural practice and abuse which could lead to breast cancer, urging health workers working with children and young people to watch out for girls who may be at risk.
A Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Ara, Dr Adedayo Joseph, said, “Though there have not been medical studies on the effects of breast ironing, the practice can cause breast cancer, cysts, depression and perhaps interfere with breastfeeding in later life.
“There are currently 10 cases of diagnosed breast cancer reported from women who were identified as victims of breast ironing. In addition to this, breast ironing puts the girl child at risk of abscesses, infections and permanent tissue damage, resulting in breast pimples, imbalance in breast size, and milk infection.”
“Other possible side effects include malformed breasts. The practice ranges in its severity, from using heated leaves to press and massage the breasts, to using a grinding stone to crush the budding gland. The health consequences vary from benign to acute.
“Also, there might be a delay of breast milk development after giving birth, endangering the life of newborns. Many women also suffer mental trauma after undergoing breast ironing. They see it as a punishment and often internalise blame.”
Corroborating her views, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr Babatunde Rosiji said that the practice thrives in the less informed environment where people do not have access to right information.
He said, “This practice is born out of the decision to suppress the breasts to protect the girls from rape and other sexual abuses without knowing that the practice is more harmful itself. You can imagine using a wooden pestle or heated iron sheet to massage the young girls’ breasts and pound it down. In some cases, you see pus in the young girls’ breasts as a result of the practice.”
Speaking on its consequences, he said, “Due to the instruments being used in the process combined with insufficient aftercare, young girls are exposed to significant health risks. This violates the young girl’s physical integrity. It exposes them to abscesses, infection, dissymmetry of the breasts, and tissue damage.
“This does not only damage a child’s physical integrity, but it also affects their social and psychological well-being. Over 50 per cent of this action is carried out on the children by their mothers and sometimes, without the knowledge of their fathers.
“Yes, some people hypothesise that it could cause breast cancers, but it is yet to be proven by studies. However, it does great damage to a girl child. They find it difficult to lactate or breastfeed their babies after childbirth. It affects glandular tissue, the part of the breasts that makes milk.”
On the solution, he added, “We need a legal framework to fight this just like the genital mutilation in the country. We also need the education of these young girls because the practice thrives in ignorance.
“Normally, a girl beginning to grow breasts all of sudden would wonder what is happening to her chest. She would run to her mother and you can imagine what the mother will tell her if such a mother is bent on doing this. But when such a child is taught about her body parts and development, she would know it’s a process of development and can’t be deceived.”
Clinical Oncologist and Chief Clinical Coordinator of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, Dr Habeebu Muhammad, however, said though there are other harmful impacts of this practice, no studies have documented it as one of the causes of cancers.
A recent study by Mela Fotabong et al, on the “Prevalence, Awareness and Adverse Outcomes of Breast Ironing among Cameroonian Women in Buea Health District” revealed that victims of breast ironing experienced adverse breast outcomes.
The researchers advocated health education and the introduction of legislation against breast ironing to eliminate the harmful traditional practice.
They recommended further research to understand the drivers of breast ironing in other regions where it is practised.
New reports have emerged regarding individuals and groups allegedly inciting President Donald Trump of the United States to enforce a military invasion in Nigeria.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has directed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians.
This situation has generated a wide range of reactions within Nigerian communities, and some individuals have been accused of inciting the U.S. government against the Nigerian government.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.
In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.
“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.
MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.
“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.
MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.
“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.
It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.
While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.
“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.
The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have witnessed significant discourse surrounding the notable silence of prominent Nigerian politicians, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
As these political figures begin to prepare for their campaigns for the upcoming 2027 elections, their lack of commentary regarding the U.S. government’s statement on potential military intervention in Nigeria has drawn attention.
Users on various social media sites have expressed concern over this reticence, prompting questions about whether these leaders are prioritizing their political aspirations over urgent national matters.
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Former US President Barack Obama has launched a spirited defence of Democratic values while sharply criticising what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Donald Trump’s administration, as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.
At a packed rally at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to turn out for Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore decency and sanity” in American politics.
“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said to cheers. “Every day, this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
The two-term president, still a unifying figure among Democrats, accused the Trump administration of pursuing “shambolic” economic and security policies. He condemned Trump’s tariff measures and the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities, while faulting Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”
“I was surprised,” Obama said, “at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities bent the knee to appease Trump, even when they knew he was out of line.”
Later in the day, at another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama delivered similar remarks in support of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Employing his trademark wit, Obama quipped: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
He also took a sarcastic jab at Trump’s reported White House renovations during a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”
According to recent polls, Spanberger, 46, a former CIA officer and six-year congresswoman, holds a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. In New Jersey, Sherrill maintains a single-digit advantage over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive bid for governor.
Despite the Democratic edge, Republicans remain optimistic about narrowing margins. Ciatterelli lost the 2021 gubernatorial race by just three points, while Trump trailed Joe Biden by only six points in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election.
With early voting underway, Obama’s appearances underscore the Democrats’ effort to energise their base and frame next week’s elections as a referendum on Trump-era politics.
Arise News
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and fostering a spirit of tolerance among its citizens.
This affirmation comes in the wake of a recent statement issued by the United States of America regarding the situation of religious freedoms in Nigeria.
In a comprehensive press release dated Saturday and signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government emphasized its unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of violent extremism that has affected various regions of the country. Mr. Ebienfa emphasized that this commitment is not only about enforcing laws but also about fostering an environment where diverse religious practices can coexist peacefully alongside one another.
Additionally, the statement expressed deep condolences for all individuals who have fallen victim to acts of violent extremism. The Federal Government underscored its ongoing support for the armed forces, reinforcing its commitment to collaborate closely with them in their endeavors to restore peace and security throughout Nigeria. The government remains dedicated to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear of violence or persecution based on their religious beliefs.
Mr. Ebienfa noted that like the United States, Nigeria values its diversity, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.
The Foreign Affairs spokesperson also emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, expressing confidence that both nations will continue to work together in promoting peace, democracy, and global stability.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria. We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” the statement concluded.
Military investigators probing the alleged attempted coup are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit to unravel the financial flows linked to individuals accused of bankrolling the plot, according to The PUNCH.
This was as indications emerge that the bank accounts of some of the suspects might have been frozen by the authorities, as part of the probe procedures.
The PUNCH could not immediately confirm the development, as no one was willing to comment on it. But a security official described this as standard procedure in such cases.
However, multiple security sources familiar with the probe confirmed that the EFCC and NFIU are carrying out a forensic investigation on the bank accounts of the soldiers and the civilians involved in the plot to overthrow the Federal Government.
The forensic investigation will cover transaction analysis, including reviewing deposits, withdrawals, and transfers to identify suspicious patterns; tracking of account activity over time; identifying the origin of funds and determining the true owners of the accounts under probe.
The investigation is also said to have been widened to cover the associates and business partners of the key suspects.
The development is coming on the heels of the discovery of the alleged transfer of N45 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission to those involved in the plot.
Sahara Reporters had reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were arrested for allegedly planning a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The online platform linked the purported plot to the Federal Government’s cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied that the detention of the officers was tied to a coup attempt.
Nevertheless, security operatives raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, taking away his younger brother, Paga and driver, as the investigation gained momentum.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was reportedly outside the country at the time.
On Wednesday, Sylva’s spokesman, Chief Julius Bokoru, confirmed that his principal’s residence was raided, adding that the ex-minister and his wife were out of the country at the time.
He denied the former governor’s involvement in the rumoured coup plot, accusing his political adversaries of trying to frame him.
Providing an update on Thursday, military insiders explained that the investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU to uncover the money trail and flow of funds deployed for the execution of the alleged coup.
Sources in the anti-graft agencies confirmed their involvement in the probe.
“This is discreet intelligence work. Until the entire exercise is concluded, we cannot provide a list of all those involved, how much was deployed for the plot or the amount recovered. The investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU for this,” a security source who is privy to the investigation disclosed.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment on Thursday. His NFIU counterpart, Aishatu Bantam, did not respond to phone calls.
Meanwhile, the names of the 16 alleged coup plotters have surfaced.
The army officers include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant.
The remaining two are a lieutenant commander from the Navy, the naval equivalent of a major, and a squadron leader from the Air Force, which holds the exact rank equivalence.
Premium Times reported that 12 of the 14 army officers belonged to the Infantry Corps, the army’s frontline combat unit whose troops primarily engage in ground battles.
One officer is reportedly from the Signals Corps, which manages military communications, while another serves in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for procuring, storing, and maintaining weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other essential hardware.
They were reportedly led by Brig. Gen Musa Abubakar Sadiq. Others include Col M.A. Ma’aji, Lt. Colonel S. Bappah, Lt Col A.A. Hayatu, P. Dangnap, Lt. Col M. Almakura, Major A. J Ibrahim, Major M.M. Jiddah, Major M.A. Usman, Major D. Yusuf, Major I. Dauda, Capt Ibrahim Bello, Capt A.A Yusuf, Lt S.S Felix, Lt . Commander D. B. Abdullahi and Squandron Leader S. B Adamu.
Meanwhile, The Cable reported that an air force officer recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser was detailed to kill the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Accoring to The Cable, Squadron Leader SB Adamu (Service No. NAF/3481) from Jigawa State was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre — an agency under ONSA — about four weeks before the coup attempt was uncovered.
Contrary to claims that several suspects worked directly with ONSA, investigators said Adamu was the only one connected to the office through the NCTC.
Military insiders said when the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka,requested the posting of a specific officer to the centre in August 2025, the request was surprisingly turned down. Instead, Adamu was deployed — a move now fuelling suspicions that the alleged coup plotters may have penetrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu is a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 59.
Recent investigations have uncovered additional information regarding a coup plot, shedding light on various troubling details.
This alarming revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of national security. It highlights the extent to which the plotters may have been willing to go in their efforts to destabilize the government.
According to sources knowledgeable about the ongoing inquiry into this alleged conspiracy, an air force officer who has recently been assigned to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was allegedly tasked with the assassination of Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, according to TheCable.
The implications of these findings could be profound, potentially affecting both national security operations and the very fabric of governance in the country.
SB Adamu, a squadron leader with service no NAF/3481 from Jigawa state, was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a programme coordinated by ONSA — four weeks before the alleged coup plot was botched.
Contrary to reports that many of the suspects were working with the ONSA, Adamu was the only one linked to the office through the NCTC.
The NCTC is one of the programmes coordinated by the ONSA.
Military sources told TheCable that when Adamu Garba Laka, a major general and national coordinator of NCTC, requested for a specific officer to be posted to the centre in August 2025, he was surprised that his request was not approved.
Instead, Adamu was posted to the office — and this is now fuelling speculation that the alleged coup plotters had infiltrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu was a member of regular course 59 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
President Bola Tinubu recently did a clear-out, sacking two of his services chiefs, including Hasan Abubakar, an air marshal.
The detailed squadron leader was allegedly detailed to “take out” Ribadu just as some other officers were tasked with killing other senior government officials, TheCable was informed.
He is said to be cooperating with investigators.
Military authorities are yet to officially confirm the coup plot.
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) insisted, in a press statement after Sahara Reporters broke the story, that the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.
Tukur Gusau, a brigadier and director of defence information, said the findings of the investigation will be made public.
Media reports have continued to reveal the identities of those in detention after the story of the alleged coup plot.
Source: TheCable
The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, says the Presidency will stand by the Nigerian Military’s position that there was never a coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to Naija News, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had released a statement describing as false and misleading the reports online that alleged that activities to mark the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria were cancelled over an attempted coup plot.
The rumours of a coup intensified further after President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.
In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Dare said the Presidency will stick to the narrative of the Nigerian Military that there was no coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to him, the presidency will only change its position when the military says otherwise, because the military is constitutionally empowered to secure the country.
He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.
“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”
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