Prominent socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has added her voice to the growing demand for justice for Ochanya Ogbanje, the 13-year-old girl who died in 2018 after suffering years of sexual assault.

Yesufu’s declaration of support comes hours after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to pursue the case, creating a powerful, cross-sectoral push to reopen the matter.

Ochanya died from complications of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a condition linked to the repeated rape she endured from the age of eight. The prime suspects are her aunt’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja—a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic—and his son, Victor. Despite being arrested and prosecuted, both were acquitted, a outcome that has sparked public outrage for years.

The case returned to the spotlight after reports emerged that the suspects were seen walking freely in Lagos, triggering a fresh wave of anger on social media.

In an emotional post on her official X handle, Aisha Yesufu expressed profound sorrow and a sense of collective failure.

“I am in pain as I write this. Ochanya will forever remind me of my failures as a Nigerian adult. I failed her and many others. As I write this I have a lump on my chest that hurts so badly,” Yesufu wrote.

Reflecting on the initial campaign for justice, she lamented, “When the issue broke so many years ago we carried it even though we couldn’t save her. We didn’t protect her and prevent the pain her family has had to live with.”

Despite her grief, Yesufu expressed hope in the tenacity of younger Nigerians, whose continued advocacy has kept the story alive.

“Do you know what makes me elated in spite of the harrowing story? It is young Nigerians like you who have their voices and agencies and speak on the injustices,” she stated.

Her renewed commitment aligns with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s earlier call for the victim’s family to submit a formal petition to her office, signaling a potential new legislative effort to seek accountability in the tragic case.