Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally petitioned the Nigerian Senate to launch a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, whose case of prolonged sexual abuse sparked national outrage.
Senator Presents Urgent Petition
During Wednesday's plenary session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan presented a detailed petition from Inibehe Effiong Chambers, urging lawmakers to reexamine the circumstances that led to the teenager's death in 2018. The senator emphasized that certain individuals had actively worked to shield those responsible from accountability and called for immediate Senate intervention.
Akpoti-Uduaghan informed her colleagues that the case has lingered due to alleged interference and witness intimidation, preventing proper prosecution of the accused individuals. She stressed that the justice system failed to protect Ochanya during her lifetime and continues to fail her in death.
Horrific Details of Abuse Emerge
The petition revealed disturbing details about Ochanya's ordeal. The young girl was sent to live with a maternal aunt at just five years old and subsequently suffered years of sexual abuse from her uncle and his son. Medical reports confirmed she developed vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and fecal urinary incontinence as direct consequences of the assaults.
Ochanya, who was a student at Federal Government Girls College in Gboko, died from complications linked to the prolonged abuse she endured. The petition specifically seeks the arrest and prosecution of Andrew and Victor Ogbuja, the primary suspects in the case.
Senate Takes Action
In response to the emotional appeal, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. The committee is expected to conduct a thorough review of the matter and submit its recommendations to the chamber.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made a powerful plea to her colleagues, stating that this Senate must send a strong message that the lives of Nigerian children matter and that justice cannot be negotiated. She also called for a broader review of how children's rights cases are handled across the country.
The case continues to draw national attention as advocates demand justice for Ochanya and better protection for vulnerable children in Nigeria. The Senate's forthcoming actions on this petition are being closely watched by human rights organizations and the general public.
