Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to push for justice in the case of the late 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after battling Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) allegedly resulting from prolonged sexual abuse.
Ochanya’s death triggered nationwide protests and the social media campaign #JusticeForOchanya, following allegations that she was sexually abused for years by her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
Andrew, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son were accused of abusing her from the age of eight. She was buried on November 2, 2018, in Ogene-Amejo, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Reports recently surfaced suggesting the suspects were sighted in Lagos, prompting fresh public reactions.
Responding in a statement on Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed shock at the development, stating she believed the suspects were serving sentences.
“Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” she said.
She called on the victim’s family to submit a formal petition to her office for further legislative intervention.
“The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me,” she stated, listing her office at Room 2:05, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
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