By Marvellous Ayobami
This is a call to make our country a safe place for every girl child and not allow the tragedy that befell Ochanya Ogbanje to befall them..We owe them a nation that can truly protect them from harm and give them a sense of belonging.
For those who have not been following the story, Ochanya Ogbaji was a 13 year old school girl who attended Federal Government Girls College,Gboko in Benue State, Nigeria.
She had a medical condition called VVF which is known as Vesicovaginal Fistula. It is an abnormal connection or passageway between the bladder and the vagina that normally does not connect.
The complicated medical condition was one which doctors linked to prolonged sexual abuse which led to her death.
The culprits were allegedly her relatives, people she was supposed to run to when she needed help or was in danger. But these were the same people that allegedly molested her sexually and caused her untimely death.
According to reports she had lived with her parents. But when the government school in the community where she lived shut down, she was sent to live with her aunt’s family: the Ogbujas..
Unfortunately, her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja,who was a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic,Ugbokolo and his son Victor Ogbuja allegedly raped her for several years until her body could take it no more.
She suffered neglect from her aunt that was supposed to be her guardian. She eventually revealed the source of her pain to her carer, one Evangelist Esoo who took up her case and followed up medically.
On realising the gravity of her health condition, Ochanya was moved to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, for proper diagnosis. By then it was roo late. Her health continued to worsen as she was uncontrollably urinating and defecating on herself. Ochanya subsequently passed away on Oct. 17, 2018.
The medical report from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital given to the police command stated that Ochanya suffered “faecal and urinary incontinence, which was initially mild and progressively worsened” before her tragic death.
The suspect’s mother, Mrs Felicia Ogbuja, was, however, convicted and sentenced to five months imprisonment for her abdication of responsibility to Ochanya, which permitted the sexual assault against the teenager
There has since been a lot of hue and cry about the tragic passage of Ochanya. The justice system and the police have not lived up their billing as the suspects are still foot loose. There have been back and forth in the judiciary.
Though the court convicted Felicia Ochiga – Ogbuja for negligence and was to be imprisoned for five months without the option of fine because she failed in her duty to protect the child, her husband and her son, Victor who is at large are yet to face justice. Andrew Ogbuja is yet to be convicted for want of forensic evidence.
A note for parents
With reports of child abuse on the increase,it’s crucial for parents and guardians to take steps to protect their daughters.
Parents should educate their children about the difference between an appropriate and inappropriate act. When they have knowledge of this, they’ll speak up if something feels wrong.
They should give their children counsels and guidance for and create an environment where they can feel safe to discuss things with them, especially their fears.
As a parent,you shouldn’t make your child see you as one that’s not approachable or one that when they have an issue,they know you won’t back them up or take their side.
The most important step to be taken to protect the girl child is to be an observant parent. They should pay attention to the most minute behavioral shift in their child. They should also avoid cutting them off when they come with their fear or concerns.
Rather,they should listen without being judgemental. With this, a strong sense of security would be built
The Ochanya story is indeed a reminder that there are too many children around us that are afraid to speak, suffering in silence because they doubt that if they let out their thoughts, nobody will believe them.
Never again should we allow this story to be repeated again in the life of another girl child. To be forewarned. Is to be fore armed.
