Sen Natasha vows justice for 13yr-old deceased rape victim, Ochanya as suspects resurface
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has pledged to seek justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after suffering complications from years of sexual abuse.
Ochanya’s death from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), caused by repeated rape, sparked nationwide outrage and protests under the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya. The victim was allegedly assaulted from age eight by her guardian’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
Following reports that the accused had been sighted in Lagos and possibly released, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan took to her social media on Thursday to demand accountability. She urged Ochanya’s family to submit a petition to her office, assuring them of her commitment to pursue the case to a just conclusion.
She wrote, “7 years ago the heart wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me.
“I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted.
“The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me:
“Senator Natasha Akpoti -Uduaghan,
Room 2:05 Senate Wing,
National Assembly Complex ,
Abuja.
“For our children, I stand for Justice for Ochanya”.
