Benue State Governor,
Samuel Ortom
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has assured that his government would
ensure that “the law takes its course“ regarding the gruesome death
of a 13-year old Ochanya Ogbanje.
Ortom gave the assurance on Tuesday in Makurdi when some people
from Benue State University (BSU) protested to the Government House
to register their displeasure over the unfortunate demise of the
minor.
Ogbanje was alleged to have been sexually abused for five years
by a Polytechnic lecturer, Mr Andrew Ogbuja and his son.
Ortom, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase
Orbunde described the death of Ogbanje as painful and sad,
stressing that her future was cut short out of sheer
wickedness.
”I am pained over her death because I also have daughters. What
if it were any of them? Indeed, this matter will not be swept under
the carpet, the law must take its cause,” he said.
The governor, however, urged all abused persons to speak out so
that the world would know their plight, those in authority could
come to their aid and stop the ugly trend.
He admonished people to desist from stigmatising victims of
sexual abuse, saying that doing so would make them become unwilling
to make their cases public.
Mr Gideon Omale, President of the Benue chapter of the National
Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), at the occasion, called
for review of justice system for quick dispensation of rape and
other cases.
Omale further called for the acceleration of the hearing of the
case, stating that the association would continue to monitor it to
ensure that “Ogbanje gets justice, even in death. “
He president appealed to the Benue Government to immediately
relieve Ogbuja of his appointment, rather than wait until the case
is finally determined
Mr James Ogbeche, who spoke for Concerned Citizens at the
occasion, said that Ogbanje needed justice; hence the peaceful
protest, which he described as topmost priority and rationale for
the group to under take.
