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Summary
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pledged to seek justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after suffering years of sexual abuse. Her uncle, Mr Andrew Ogbuja, and nephew, Victor Ogbuja, raped her for five years. She became sick and was diagnosed with VVF, which led to her death.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed deep concern over the case of 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after enduring years of sexual abuse.
In a post shared on her Instagram page, the senator said she was heartbroken to learn that the perpetrators in the case had been discharged and acquitted. She urged the family of the late Ochanya to submit a formal petition to her office at the National Assembly to help reopen the case and seek justice.
“The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Room 2:05 Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.” she said. “For our children, I stand for Justice for Ochanya.”
Ochanya Ogbanja was a 13-year-old schoolgirl from Benue State who died in 2018 after years of sexual abuse reportedly perpetrated by her uncle, Mr Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja. Victor Ogbuja started raping her when she turned eight. Although he was caught and reported to their parents by his sister, Winifred, they only scolded him and threatened Ochanya that she would be sent back to the village if she told anyone.
Andrew Ogbuja continued the molestation and rape of Ochanya until she became sick and was diagnosed with Vesico-vaginal Fistula, a health condition that causes the bladder to bypass the urethra into the vagina.
The call for justice has sparked outrage and efforts to ensure accountability for those involved in Ochanya’s case.
In solidarity, Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci donated ₦1 million to support organisations working with rape and sexual abuse survivors, in honour of the late Ochanya. Hilda announced a total pledge of ₦1 million, explaining that Ochanya’s story serves as a painful reminder of the countless girls still living with the emotional and physical scars of abuse.
