It is common practice within our society for the responsibility of raising a child to be shifted to a relative at the demise of the birth parents. And, it is unfortunately not yet a registered anomaly for a father to relinquish care of his child once he takes on a new bride after the death of his partner – the child’s mother. This was the case of the sad story of a young girl, Ochanya, who hails from Benue state.
The road of her life’s journey paved with defilement started after the death of her mother. Ochanya was rejected by the father who bore her and inadvertently exchanged for a new life with his new wife. This act of cowardice which stems from selfishness (a popular human and animalistic trait) isn’t the first of its kind in Nigeria. Months ago in Nasarawa State, a Nigerian man, Thompson Agena, killed his daughter and only child, because of his lust for marriage.
Perhaps, our world has arrived at a stop where the appeal of sex – which is the primary carnal purpose of marriage, in human terms, outweighs the innate desire to love and protect one’s own offspring.
At 8 years old, Ochanya who was shipped off to live with her aunt’s family, unbeknown to her, was signing her death warrant. In a statement released, the young girl whose prospects of a bright future was cut short because she was sexually harassed multiple times by her depraved uncle and his son brings to light the rape culture and violence perpetrated against the girl child in our society.
“We bring to your attention the incident of the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, a JS2 student of Federal Government Girl’s College Gboko in Benue State. She died less than 58 hours ago, at Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. The autopsy report revealed that the young lady died from severe health complications, including the dreaded Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF); which arose from a six-year series of vaginal and sodomitic abuse from members of her extended family” the statement read.
Her death has sparked uproar on social media as diverse people express their rage and anger as they call for the incarceration of the pedophilic father and son duo.
The father & son rapist duo used a combination of drugs & threat of bodily harm to coarse the silence of Ochanya throughout the long duration of her travails.
She developed Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) & other health complications which led to her early demise.#JusticeforOchanya pic.twitter.com/XmRDCA1uE7
— The Jonathanian (@The_Jonathanian) October 23, 2018
The perpetrators who raped Ochanya to death need to be brought to book. This is a heinous crime & it shouldn’t slide.
The man and his son must be sentenced to jail.
I can’t believe our justice system grant the man bail while his son is yet to be arrested. #JusticeforOchanya
— Edward Ezekiel Onoriode (@Edward_Onoriode) October 25, 2018
Severely abused and mentally damaged, #Ochanya fell into unconsciousness. Yesterday, she lost the will to fight and took her last breath. We seek #JusticeforOchanya and for all children + women facing sexual violence. Wickedness of Andrew and Victor Ogboja MUST not go unpunished.
— Dr. Anne ‘Muyiwa (@AnneMuyiwa) October 23, 2018
A matured man. You grow erection towards an 8yr old girl. You insert your penis forcefully into her undeveloped privates. Your son then does same.
For years. Till she dies.
You are a BEAST.
Our justice system must ensure u & ur son get no place amongst men.#JusticeForOchanya
— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) October 25, 2018
I was torn to shreds when I heard the pathetic story of Ochanya
When her mother died, her father could not take adequate care & so she sent to her aunt’s family.
Her guardian & his son took turns to rape her since age 8. She died at 13yrs from complications.#JusticeForOchanya pic.twitter.com/tMjjk5p0nT
— The Jonathanian (@The_Jonathanian) October 23, 2018
#JusticeForOchanya . The government must do something about the rising cases of sexual harassment , especially to children. What in the name of God is a 52 year old doing sexually assulting a 8 – 13 year old or anyone for that matter? ??? pic.twitter.com/yFJfM3NSRm
— David Ibe (@codenamemarcus) October 25, 2018
Dear @PoliceNG, Ochanya, even in death deserves Justice.
Very sad story of how a 13 year-Old girl was repeatedly raped by her guardian and his son. #JusticeForOchanya pic.twitter.com/BPnDoc4dK9— Concerned Nigerians (@ConcernedNIG) October 24, 2018
Indeed #JusticeforOchanya everyone. We do need to work collectively to eliminate this scourge of Rape and other types of Violence Against Women. It deserves urgent measures.
May Ochanya’s family receive Justicefor her through our collective efforts and also the comfort of God. https://t.co/qlSYtoqTyT— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) October 25, 2018