The Tragic Story of Ochanya Ogbanje

Ochanya Ogbanje was a 13-year-old girl who died in 2018 from complications caused by repeated rape by her cousin, Victor Ogbuja, and her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja. Despite the heinous nature of the crime, the perpetrators were set free due to a technicality.

Early Life and Education

Ochanya was born in 2005 to a poor family in Benue State, where about 32% of residents were designated as monetarily poor by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2019. Despite the financial struggles and due to the community school where she lived shutting down, Ochanya’s parents sent her to live with her aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, in Ogene-Amejo, Benue State, so she could get an education. Ochanya was a bright student and was enrolled in the Federal Government Girls College in Gboko, Benue State, where she was a JSS 1 pupil.

The Abuse and Its Aftermath

However, Ochanya’s life took a dark turn when she was repeatedly raped by her cousin, Victor Ogbuja, and her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja. Winifred Ogbuja, Ochanya’s cousin and Victor’s sister, discovered the abuse and reported it to their parents. Unfortunately, Victor was let off with a mere scolding, and the abuse continued. Ochanya developed Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a condition that causes the bladder to bypass the urethra into the vagina, and suffered from incontinence. Despite her condition, Ochanya’s aunt and uncle failed to seek proper medical attention for her, leading to her untimely death on October 17, 2018.

The Court’s Verdict

In a shocking turn of events, the Benue State High Court discharged and acquitted Andrew Ogbuja of the four-count charge of rape due to lack of evidence. The judge pointed out inconsistencies in the autopsy reports and the failure of investigators to conduct a medical examination on Andrew. Victor Ogbuja, the cousin and co-perpetrator, is still at large and has not been brought to justice. Shockingly, Andrew Ogbuja is still a lecturer, and his acquittal has raised concerns about the safety of students and children in his care.

Conviction Rates Remain Low

This case highlights the low conviction rates for sexual violence cases in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 1.4 million people experienced sexual offences between May 2023 and April 2024. However, the number of offenders who face justice is small in comparison. As of 2024, only about 426 offenders have been convicted nationwide, with over 1,090 cases still in court.

A Timeline of Her Abuse

– Ochanya was thirteen when she died from complications caused by repeated rape.

– She was five when she was sent to live with her aunt in Benue State.

– Ochanya wore diapers for four months due to incontinence caused by VVF.

– She spent six days in the hospital before being discharged without proper treatment.

– Two autopsy reports were seen as having inconsistent findings, leading to Andrew Ogbuja’s acquittal.

Reactions From Nigerians And Ochanya’s Family

The Ochanya Ogbanje case is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to protect children’s rights and ensure justice for victims of sexual violence. We must work together to create a society where children are safe and protected from abuse. The government and relevant authorities must take concrete steps to address the low conviction rates and ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are held accountable for their actions.