Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has joined fresh calls for justice in the case of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after years of alleged sexual abuse.
The abuse, reportedly perpetrated by Ochanya’s uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor, in Benue State, had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed demands from human rights groups for stronger child protection laws.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed dismay that the alleged perpetrators remain free despite the gravity of the case. “Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” she wrote.
Reaffirming her support for justice, the senator stated, “For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” while acknowledging social media advocate #miss_natural1 for drawing her attention back to the case.
The #JusticeForOchanya campaign has gained renewed traction on social media, with Nigerians demanding accountability and justice for the late teenager.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also urged Ochanya’s family to submit a formal petition to her office at Room 2:05, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, assuring that she would present the matter before her Senate colleagues.
