Seven years after the tragic demise of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, recent outrage has erupted throughout social media platforms, demanding that justice be served.
The hashtag #JusticeForOchanya is presently trending on Fb, X (previously Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp, as Nigerians name for the case to be reopened.
Ochanya, a local of Benue State, reportedly lived with her uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, in Ugbokolo to allow her attend faculty. She was allegedly sexually assaulted for years by Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
{The teenager} died in 2018 from problems ensuing from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
On April 22, 2022, the Benue State Excessive Courtroom sitting in Makurdi acquitted Dr. Ogbuja of rape and culpability in Ochanya’s demise. Nonetheless, Victor Ogbuja has since remained at giant and is but to face trial.
Following the commemoration of Ochanya’s seventh demise anniversary in Abuja, renewed calls for justice have intensified throughout the nation.
As at press time, over 167,000 posts had been made on X, with celebrities, activists, and influencers lending their voices to the marketing campaign.
Outstanding activist and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls motion, Aisha Yesufu, urged Nigerians to maintain the advocacy, saying:
“Nothing beats a united voice talking on the identical time! The quantity can’t be lowered or unheard!
Can we at 10 am every single day tweet 10 tweets every utilizing #JusticeForOchanya till Ochanya and her household get the justice they deserve?
You don’t must say an excessive amount of in every tweet. Make sure you shout it out by your tweets 10 occasions each day at 10 am! There shall by no means be relaxation for the depraved.”
Equally, medical physician and influencer Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Physician), in a video publish, condemned the dealing with of the case, stating:
“What occurred to Ochanya was depraved, completely depraved. Everyone concerned in that case and ensured that it wasn’t tried correctly is a part of the wickedness that we’re speaking about as a result of the Nigerian system failed Ochanya. One thing that was very apparent to all of us was thrown out of the courtroom due to authorized no matter.”
Actuality TV star Kola Omotoso, a finalist in Huge Brother Naija Season 10, additionally expressed concern, saying:
“We can not declare to guard our future whereas our youngsters dwell in worry. Little one abuse should finish justice for Ochanya, and for each little one whose voice was silenced.”
Fashionable comic Emmanuel Ejekwu (Sabinus) joined the decision, questioning the nation’s silence over little one abuse:
“For a way lengthy would we proceed to tolerate rapists and abusers? Youngsters are the bedrock of the society for God sake and we will’t even assure their security? Can we then a minimum of demand for justice?”
The marketing campaign has additionally gained traction on Fb, the place a number of Nigerians have vowed to proceed pushing till justice is achieved.
Nollywood actress Ini Edo wrote: “My coronary heart is heavy this morning, remembering the unhappy story of harmless Ochanya Ogbanje, who died due to the wickedness of this world. I be a part of the multitude of people that stand in solidarity for the harmless woman.
The considered the offender being alive and strolling free is sickening, to say the least. Authorities should introduce stricter legal guidelines to curb this type of inhumane habits in Nigeria.
It’s occurring means too ceaselessly. Justice should be meted out on these two merciless people who did this depraved act on Ochanya. This devilish behaviour should cease. I’m pausing every thing on my film reveal for now, in honour of Ochanya.”
One other person, Agnes Ejeh, added: “We will’t preserve sweeping the reality beneath the rug. Childhood abuse is actual, and it’s destroying lives. It’s time we converse, shield, and demand justice.”
