Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Demands Justice for Late Ochanya, Calls on Family to Petition Senate
Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reignited calls for justice following reports that the alleged perpetrators in the case have been discharged and acquitted.
In a statement shared on Thursday, the Kogi Central Senator expressed deep sadness over the development, saying she was devastated to learn that justice had yet to be served for the young girl, whose story once shook the nation.
“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.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the family of the late Ochanya to formally petition her office at the National Assembly to enable her pursue legislative and legal actions that could reopen the case.
“The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me:
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,
Room 2:05, Senate Wing,
National Assembly Complex, Abuja,” she stated.
Reaffirming her commitment to child protection and justice, the Senator vowed to stand with the family in seeking accountability for the teenager’s death.
“For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” she added.
Ochanya Ogbanje’s story first gained national attention in 2018 after it was reported that she died following years of alleged sexual abuse by her guardian and his son in Benue State. The case sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter child protection laws in Nigeria.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s renewed intervention comes amid public concern that the acquittal of the accused could undermine efforts to protect vulnerable children from abuse.
