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Renewing indignation has broken out across social media platforms, calling for justice to be given, seven years after the tragic murder of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje.
On social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya is trending, reflecting the strong demand from Nigerians to revive the case.
It has been stated that Ochanya, who was born and raised in Benue State, stayed with her uncle Andrew Ogbuja in Ugbokolo so that she could attend school. Victor Ogbuja, Ogbuja’s son, and he allegedly sexually molested her for years.
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The adolescent passed away in 2018 due to complications stemming from a vesicovaginal fistula.
In a ruling handed down on April 22, 2022, in Makurdi, the Benue State High Court cleared Dr. Ogbuja of all charges related to Ochanya’s death and rape. But since then, Victor Ogbuja has evaded capture and has not been brought to justice.
There have been renewed demands for justice around the nation following the Abuja celebration of Ochanya’s seventh death anniversary.
More than 167,000 postings had been made on X by influential people, activists, and celebrities as of the time of publication.
Notable Nigerian activist and #BringBackOurGirls co-founder Aisha Yesufu has called on her countrymen to keep up the fight, stating:
“Speaking with one voice at the same time is the best!” You can’t turn it down or turn it off!
Would it be possible to tweet ten times a day at ten o’clock using the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya until Ochanya and her family receive the justice that is rightfully theirs?
Each tweet doesn’t need to contain an essay. Get the word out by tweeting ten times every morning at ten o’clock! “The wicked shall never rest.”
Similarly, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko practitioner), a medical practitioner and influencer, criticised the case’s handling in a video post, saying:
It was awful, very wicked, what happened to Ochanya. The Nigerian system let Ochanya down, and everyone who had a hand in making sure the case was mishandled is complicit in the evil we’re describing. Due to some legal technicality, the court rejected an issue that was crystal clear to everyone present.
Another reality TV personality who voiced her concerns was Kola Omotoso, who was a finalist in Season 10 of Big Brother Naija.
As long as our kids are scared, we can’t say we’re protecting our future. Justice must be served for Ochanya and every kid whose voice was suppressed due to child abuse.
The nation’s silence regarding child abuse was questioned by popular comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu (Sabinus), who joined the call:
The question is, “How much longer will we put up with rapists and abusers?” For crying out loud, we can’t even ensure the protection of children, who are the foundation of our society? Is it too much to ask for justice then?
Several Nigerians have pledged to keep pressing until justice is achieved, adding momentum to the campaign on Facebook.
On this sorrowful morning, my heart is heavy remembering the story of innocent Ochanya Ogbanje, who died because this world is evil,” stated Nollywood actress Ini Edo. I am one with the many who are standing in support of the defenceless girl.
To put it mildly, it sickens me that the perpetrator could still be alive and free. Stricter legislation should be enacted by the Nigerian government to prevent such barbaric behaviour.
It’s occurring far too often. These two evildoers deserve what’s coming to Ochanya because they were so harsh to her. This evildoing has to end. To show my respect for Ochanya, I am temporarily halting work on my movie reveal.
“We can’t keep sweeping the truth under the rug,” said another user, Agnes Ejeh. The devastation caused by childhood maltreatment is genuine and devastating. We must now speak up, defend, and seek redress.