The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it has received the preliminary report into the alleged rape and death of 13-year old Ochanya Ochiga by her guardian, Andrew Ogbuja of Benue State Polytechnic and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
The Commission also condemned in strong words the act describing it as inhuman and condemnable.
A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, of the commission, Mr. Lambert Oparah which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said the commission has requested the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Benue to ensure that perpetrators of the “dastardly act” were brought to book.
He said: “The commission has received the preliminary report on the matter conducted by the Benue office of the commission.
“The Executive Secretary of the commission, M. Tony Ojukwu who was visibly angry, expressed shock that the little Ochanya, a minor, could pass through the sad experience in the hands of the supposed guardian.
“The executive secretary promised that the commission will work with relevant authorities including the Benue State Ministry of Justice and the police to ensure that the culprits are prosecuted in accordance with the law.’’
He also disclosed that the commission has directed its Benue office to hold a watching brief on the matter throughout the prosecution in court even as he enjoined the police to do all they can to apprehend one of the suspects, Victor Ogbuja who is still at large.
READ ALSO: Was My Mother Justified to Slap My Wife?
Oparah noted that the commission would monitor all the processes and increase advocacy around protection of young persons and women from rape and other related sexual assaults adding that the body would also create awareness about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The Commission’s boss further disclosed that they were working hard to promote legislation that protect the rights of the girl-child and that the the commission will be carrying out another round of nationwide sensitisation campaign on Child’s Rights Act 2003 which he noted has been passed since 2003 and so far been adopted by 24 out of the 36 states in the country.
He said such step would help to scale up awareness on the rights of the child, including sexual violence and other related human rights issues.
He lamented the inadequate reportage of rape cases and other forms of sexual violence due to fear of stigmatisation and urged victims, their relations, and members of the public to always come forward and report such cases to the appropriate authorities so as to ensure accountability for such violations.
