Justice for Ochanya: A Child Betrayed, Silenced — Nigeria Demands Accountability
Ochanya Ogbanje was born the youngest of eleven children in a quiet village in Benue State, Nigeria. Her parents, like many others, dreamed of a better life for their children. But when the only primary school in the village shut down, six-year-old Ochanya’s future was left hanging in the balance.
In search of opportunity, her parents sent her to live with her aunt in Ubokolo, a town with electricity, running water, and access to education. It seemed like a lifeline. Instead, it became a trap.
The House That Betrayed Her
Inside the Obuja household, Ochanya was not safe. Victor Obuja, a university student and the son of her aunt’s husband, began sexually assaulting her. When his sister discovered the abuse and told their father, Andrew Obuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, he didn’t stop it. He joined in.
For five years, Ochanya endured unspeakable abuse from both father and son. Her aunt, Felicia, claimed ignorance. But how does one live with a child for half a decade and not see the pain?
Her Body Broke Before Her Voice Did
By age 13, Ochanya’s body was failing. She developed Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a condition caused by prolonged trauma. She leaked urine uncontrollably. She suffered infections. Only then did the Obuja family involve her parents. She was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late.
Ochanya died on October 17, 2018.
A Nation Roared: #JusticeForOchanya
Her death ignited fury across Nigeria. The hashtag #JusticeForOchanya flooded timelines. People demanded answers. How could this happen in a family home for five years without intervention?
Andrew Obuja was arrested. Victor fled and remains a fugitive. But in 2022, Andrew was acquitted due to a lack of physical evidence. No proper medical exam had been conducted before her death. He walked free.
Felicia, her aunt, was sentenced to just five months in prison, not for abuse, but for failing to protect the child in her care.
Five Years of Pain. Five Months of Silence.
Ochanya’s story is not just about one girl. It’s about every child whose pain is dismissed. Every adult who turns away. Every system that demands more proof when the truth is buried with the child.
She deserved more than a hashtag. She deserved more than outrage. She deserved justice.
Her Right, Our Duty
Under the law, every child has the right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
Nigeria must uphold this right, not just in law, but in action.
The Demands Are Clear
- Justice for Ochanya: A retrial, accountability for all perpetrators, and consequences for institutional failures.
- Protection for Children: Stronger safeguarding laws and enforcement in homes, schools, and communities.
- Support for people who survived abuse: Access to medical, psychological, and legal aid.
- Education and Awareness: So no child suffers in silence again.
She Didn’t Live Long, But Her Story Spoke Loudly
Ochanya’s voice was stolen. But her story still speaks. And it demands that we listen, not just with sympathy, but with action.
Justice for Ochanya is justice for every child.
