Justice for Ochayna: Ending Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

Research for post done by NGJ volunteer Divine Agidah

The Devastating Reality of Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

In the quiet town of Gboko, Benue State, 13-year old Ochanya Grace Ogbanje’s life ended in tragedy; not from illness or accident, But from years of unimaginable child sexual abuse in Nigeria orphaned and entrusted to her aunt's husband, a respected Polytechnic lecturer, Ochanya Endured repeated rape starting at age 9, First by her guardian Andrew Ogbuja and later by his son victor. The violence left her with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), Chronic pain, and eventual paralysis, leading to her death on October 17th 2018. Seven years later, her perpetrators remain free, exposing a heartbreaking failure in Nigeria's justice system and sparking calls for justice for Ochanya.

This is not an isolated story. Child sexual abuse in Nigeria affects thousands, where 90% of cases never reach a courtroom due to stigma, corruption, and institutional neglect. Girls like Ochanya are silenced by family shame, bribed police, and courts that prioritized technicalities over justice. The consequences are dire: lifelong trauma, health complications, and a cycle of impunity that endangers every child and weakens efforts towards protecting children's rights.

These disparities are not inevitable. They stem from a system riddled with bias, underfunding, and cultural taboos that dismiss survivors’ voices. Until Nigeria confronts this crisis head-on and take stronger action against gender-based violence no child is truly safe.

Why Justice for Ochanya Matters

Ochanya’s case Is a stark symbol of a broader epidemic. In Nigeria, one in four girls experiences sexual violence before age 18, yet convictions for child sexual abuse in Nigeria remain below 10%. The silence surrounding these abuses perpetuates a culture where perpetrators, often family members or authority figures, face little accountability, while survivors bear the blame and isolation. The movement for Justice For Ochanya highlights the urgent need for reform and compassion in protecting children's rights across the nation.

This crisis ripples through communities, eroding trust and institutions and stifling generations. When children like Ochanya our failed, families fracture, education stalls, and societies lose potential leaders to trauma's long shadow. It's a human rights violation that demands urgent attention, not just for victims but for the future of Nigeria's youth. Providing support for abuse survivors and ending gender-based violence are essential steps toward restoring justice and healing communities.

At the Next Generation John Foundation (NGJ), we stand for global health equity and the right of every child to safety and dignity. Justice for Ochanya isn't Revenge, it's a fight toward prevention, ensuring that speaking out leads to protection, not punishment.

Know Your Rights: Protecting Children from Abuse

Every child in Nigeria deserves safeguards against exploitation, enshrined in laws like the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Person’s (Prohibitions) Act (VAPP, 2015). These aren’t abstract policies, they are vital tools for protecting children’s rights, holding abusers accountable, and offering support for abuse survivors.

Key rights include:

• Protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.

• Access to confidential reporting without fear of retaliation.

• Immediate medical and psychological care for survivors.

• Fair trials with specialized courts to prioritize child testimony.

Grounded in international standards like the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, these Protections aim to break cycles of silence and end gender-based violence. Yet, implementation varies by state, leaving many vulnerable. Knowing these rights empowers families, teachers, and communities to demand action and engage in child protection advocacy to stop child sexual abuse in Nigeria.

Awareness is the first line of defense. When adults recognize these legal Shields, they can intervene early, turning potential tragedies into stories of resilience and safety.

How to Advocate for Survivors and Prevent Abuse

Speaking up against child sexual abuse in Nigeria requires courage, especially in culture where stigma runs deep. But equipped with knowledge and allies, anyone can become an advocate. Preparation transforms fear into action, ensuring survivors’ voices are amplified and perpetrators face consequences through effective child protection advocacy.

Here’s how to build a safer world for children:

• Educate early. Teach consent and body autonomy in schools and homes, simple lessons like “your body is yours; No one touches without permission” can save lives.

• report without delay. Use anonymous hotlines like CECE YARA’s 0800 777 7777 For confidential support, and demand through police investigations with forensic evidence.

• Support survivors. Offer emotional backing without judgment; connect them to organizations providing therapy, legal aid, and other forms of support for abuse survivors.

• Challenge the silence. Share stories (with consent) to normalize conversations, ask: “What signs of abuse should we watch for?” or “how can we train community leaders?”.

• Build networks. Partner with local NGOs for workshops; if dismissed by authorities, escalate to the national Human Rights Commission to strengthen protecting children’s rights.

Remember: advocacy isn't confrontation, its commitment. You have the power to shift from bystander to protector. If a child confides in you, believe them first period true justice and ending gender-based violence begins with one voice refusing to stay silent.

What’s Being Done to Combat Child Sexual Abuse

Grassroots movements and policy reforms are gaining momentum in Nigeria, driven by advocates demanding accountability for stronger child protection advocacy. The #JusticeforOchanya campaign, sparked after her death, has mobilized thousands both online and offline, pressuring authorities to reopen stalled cases and enforce the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) act (VAPP) Nationwide to help end child sexual abuse in Nigeria.

Key initiatives include:

• Expanding specialized child protection units in police stations, equipped with trained officers and rape kits.

• Mandatory bias and trauma-informed training for judges, prosecutors, and healthcare workers.

• Community programs addressing root causes like poverty and gender norms that enable abuse.

Legislation such as the full domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states is progressing, though gaps remain. Organizations such as Amnesty International, the Mirabel centre, and the Next Generation John Foundation (NGJ) are leading the charge, providing free services, support for abuse survivors, and lobbying for witness protection laws that further protect children's rights.

These efforts are promising, but sustained pressure is essential. Real change demands collaboration, from federal funding for survivor shelters to global partnerships amplifying Nigerian voices an ending gender-based violence.

How can you get involved?

Ending child sexual abuse in Nigeria isn't the work of experts alone, it's a call for every community member to act. Your involvement, no matter how small, fuels the momentum toward a safer nation dedicated to protecting children's rights and ending gender-based violence.

Here’s how you can Join the fight:

• Amplify the cause. Sign and share the #JusticeforOchanya petition on Change.org, tagging leaders like @NGRSenate to demand Victor Ogbuja’s arrest and case reopening.

• Donate or volunteer. Support frontline groups like Mirabel Centre (Mirabelcentre.org) for forensic care or CECE YARA (ceceyara.org) for helplines. Even $5 helps provide therapy and support for abuse survivors.

• Raise awareness locally. Host discussions in your circle or workplace; educate on spotting abuse signs like sudden withdrawal or unexplainable injuries.

• Connect with NGJ. Join our global health equity campaigns for toolkits, webinars, and ways to engage in child protection advocacy and reform.

Collective action turns outrage into reform. By getting involved, you honor Ochanya’s memory and safeguard tomorrow's children. Together, we can demand a world where justice for Ochanya is not just a campaign, but a commitment to protecting children's rights everywhere.

Resources

Amnesty International. (2021, November 8). Nigeria: Failure to tackle rape crisis emboldens perpetrators and silences survivors. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/11/nigeria-failure-to-tackle-rape-crisis-emboldens-perpetrators-and-silences-survivors/

Premium Times Nigeria. (2018, October 18). How 13-year-old Ochanya died after years of rape. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/293000-13-year-old-ochanya-died-years-rape.html 

The Cable. (2023, October 20). Victor Ogbuja still at large seven years after Ochanya's death. https://www.thecable.ng/victor-ogbuje-still-at-large-seven-years-after-ochanyas-death

Vanguard News. (2018, October 25). Autopsy reveals Ochanya died of complications from rape. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/ochanya-autopsy-reveals-cause-of-death/  

Vanguard News. (2022, April 28). Court acquits lecturer of rape, murder of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/court-acquits-lecturer-of-rape-murder-of-13-year-old-ochanya-ogbanje/