ABUJA — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has submitted a petition to the Senate demanding an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje.

The petition, presented on Wednesday during plenary on behalf of Inibehe Effiong Chambers, accuses certain individuals of attempting to “shield those responsible from accountability.”

Ochanya, a student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, died on October 17, 2018, following complications reportedly linked to years of sexual abuse.

Petition Demands Justice
The petition calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the prime suspect, Victor Ogbuja, while urging the Benue State Government to challenge the acquittal of his father, Andrew Ogbuja. It also criticizes the Nigeria Police Force for failing to rearrest Victor after he absconded, and highlights the state government’s refusal to appeal the High Court ruling that freed Andrew.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan declared: “This petition is on the refusal to arrest and prosecute Victor and Andrew Ogbuja, for the rape to death of a 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje.”

The story
Ochanya had lived with the Ogbuja family from the age of five, in pursuit of better education. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan:

“Ms. Ochanya was sent to live with her maternal aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, at the age of five. But unfortunately, her uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja, took turns to rape her from the age of six to 13, where she died.”

The Senator further explained that Ochanya endured “severe violations for years, yet justice continues to be delayed and denied.”

She noted that the abuse led to devastating health complications:

“It was reported that she developed VVF, which is the medical term for vesicovaginal fistula, also the fecal urinary incontinence. And this was basically because she was raped from her vagina and anus daily. This case represents a failure of the system to protect a child.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that the matter “has lingered due to alleged interference, intimidation of witnesses, and attempts to downplay the crime.”

Urging the Senate to act decisively, she said: “This Senate must send a strong message that the lives of Nigerian children matter and that justice cannot be negotiated.”Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting the absence of ongoing legal proceedings, referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South).

The Committee is tasked with investigating the circumstances of Ochanya’s abuse and death, as well as the apparent failure of justice. It may also compel the Benue State Government to file the long-demanded appeal.