By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigerian actress Victoria Inyama has stirred widespread debate after opening up about her childhood experience with female circumcision, also known as Female Genital Mutilation.

In a video shared on April 15, 2026, via Instagram by media personality Daddy Freeze, the actress revealed that the procedure was carried out when she was about five or six years old while living with her grandmother in a village.

According to Inyama, the event was deeply traumatic, involving physical restraint and the consumption of local alcohol before the procedure.

She recalled losing consciousness due to the pain, describing the experience as distressing despite being performed quickly by a specialist.

Her account highlights ongoing concerns about the physical and psychological impact of FGM on young girls.

Explaining why she spoke publicly, Inyama said she wanted to share how the experience has influenced her adult life.

While she acknowledged that FGM is harmful, she controversially suggested it contributed to her personal discipline and control in relationships.

She claimed it shaped her behavior in ways she considers beneficial, though her comments have triggered mixed reactions online.

Addressing whether she would allow her daughters to undergo the same procedure, the actress said cultural and legal differences would prevent her from doing so abroad.

However, she added that if circumstances were different, particularly within Nigeria, such decisions might depend on family dynamics and societal expectations.

The issue of FGM remains a sensitive and widely condemned practice globally, with health experts and human rights organisations warning against its long-term consequences.

Inyama’s remarks have reignited discussions around tradition, personal belief, and the urgent need for continued awareness and education.