Kunie Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has frowned upon the prolonged delay in delivering justice in the case of 13-year-old schoolgirl, Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, who hailed from Benue state.
Kunie made the condemnation in a statement issued Friday by the Foundation’s Communications Manager, Uchenna Igboeme.
While calling for systemic reform and accountability, the Foundation highlighted that Ochanya’s story remained a “chilling reminder of the systemic failures that continue to deny vulnerable young girls justice in Nigeria.”
“Kunie Foundation expresses deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic and painful death of Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje. Her story underscores the ongoing failures within our justice system that prevent vulnerable girls from receiving the justice they deserve. Ochanya, a 13-year-old schoolgirl, endured prolonged sexual abuse inflicted by those entrusted to protect her. Yet, years after her death, justice remains painfully delayed.
“As an organisation committed to creating sustainable futures for women and children, Kunie Foundation expressed profound concern over the sluggish pace of legal proceedings and the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to walk free.
“Every day justice is delayed, another girl is silenced, and another family is left broken,” the statement read in part.
The Foundation emphasised that Ochanya’s case “highlights the urgent need to strengthen child protection systems, enforce existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and ensure that survivors and their families receive the dignity, protection, and justice they deserve.”
“At Kunie Foundation, our work centres on advocacy, research, and community-led initiatives that safeguard vulnerable children, empower women, and dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequality and abuse. Ochanya’s story reinforces our mission because every child has the right to live, learn, and dream without fear,” it added.
The Foundation called on the Benue state government, the Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and all relevant law enforcement agencies to “act decisively and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice without further delay.”
