Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, fresh outrage has erupted across social media platforms, demanding that justice be served.
The hashtag #JusticeForOchanya is currently trending on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp, as Nigerians call for the case to be reopened.
Ochanya, a native of Benue State, reportedly lived with her uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, in Ugbokolo to enable her attend school. She was allegedly sexually assaulted for years by Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
The teenager died in 2018 from complications resulting from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
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On April 22, 2022, the Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi acquitted Dr. Ogbuja of rape and culpability in Ochanya’s death. However, Victor Ogbuja has since remained at large and is yet to face trial.
Following the commemoration of Ochanya’s seventh death anniversary in Abuja, renewed calls for justice have intensified across the country.
As at press time, over 167,000 posts had been made on X, with celebrities, activists, and influencers lending their voices to the campaign.
Prominent activist and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, urged Nigerians to sustain the advocacy, saying:
“Nothing beats a united voice speaking at the same time! The volume cannot be lowered or unheard!
Can we at 10 am every day tweet 10 tweets each using #JusticeForOchanya until Ochanya and her family get the justice they deserve?
You don’t have to say too much in each tweet. Ensure you shout it out through your tweets 10 times daily at 10 am! There shall never be rest for the wicked.”
Similarly, medical doctor and influencer Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor), in a video post, condemned the handling of the case, stating:
“What happened to Ochanya was wicked, absolutely wicked. Everybody involved in that case and ensured that it wasn’t tried properly is part of the wickedness that we are talking about because the Nigerian system failed Ochanya. Something that was very obvious to all of us was thrown out of the court because of legal whatever.”
Reality TV star Kola Omotoso, a finalist in Big Brother Naija Season 10, also expressed concern, saying:
“We cannot claim to protect our future while our children live in fear. Child abuse must end justice for Ochanya, and for every child whose voice was silenced.”
Popular comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu (Sabinus) joined the call, questioning the nation’s silence over child abuse:
“For how long would we continue to tolerate rapists and abusers? Children are the bedrock of the society for God sake and we can’t even guarantee their safety? Can we then at least demand for justice?”
The campaign has also gained traction on Facebook, where several Nigerians have vowed to continue pushing until justice is achieved.
Nollywood actress Ini Edo wrote: “My heart is heavy this morning, remembering the sad story of innocent Ochanya Ogbanje, who died because of the wickedness of this world. I join the multitude of people who stand in solidarity for the innocent girl.
The thought of the culprit being alive and walking free is sickening, to say the least. Government must introduce stricter laws to curb this kind of inhumane behavior in Nigeria.
It’s happening way too frequently. Justice must be meted out on these two cruel humans who did this wicked act on Ochanya. This devilish behaviour must stop. I am pausing everything on my movie reveal for now, in honour of Ochanya.”
Another user, Agnes Ejeh, added: “We can’t keep sweeping the truth under the rug. Childhood abuse is real, and it’s destroying lives. It’s time we speak, protect, and demand justice.”
