Popular socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has thrown herweight behind the renewed call for justice for late 13-year-old Benue girl,Ochanya Ogbanje. Ochanya died in 2018 after battling Vesicovagina Fistula,VVF, as a result of constant rape. Ochanya was allegedly raped for several years by her aunt’shusband, one Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja. Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic,Ugbokolo, and his son, Victor, were accused of molesting Ochanya since she waseight. According to reports, the suspects were arrested andprosecuted but later acquitted. Recently, the suspects were reportedly sighted in Lagos,walking freely, triggering fresh anger on various social media platforms. Earlier on Thursday, Kogi Central senator, NatashaAkpoti-Uduaghan, had vowed to ensure justice for the victim, urging the familyto write a fresh petition to her office. Similarly, Aisha Yesufu in a post on her official X handle,expressed sadness over the development. Although the activist, who was vocal during the incident,revealed she has lump on her chest, she expressed readiness to back the callfor justice. She wrote, “I am in pain as I write this. Ochanya willforever remind me of my failures as a Nigerian adult. I failed her and manyothers. As I write this I have a lump on my chest that hurts so badly. “When the issue broke so many years ago we carried it eventhough we couldn’t save her. We didn’t protect her and prevent the pain herfamily has had to live with. “Do you know what makes me elated in spite of the harrowingstory? It is young Nigerians like you who have their voices and agencies andspeak on the injustices. “I have said in many interviews that many Nigeriansespecially the youth now own their voices and using their voices and that evenwithout my voice, many issues are heard much louder than I could ever makethem.”
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