Coalition of civil society organisations and concerned citizens in Benue State have staged a peaceful protest to denounce all forms of sexual violation against the girl-child.
The protesters, who march through the streets of Makurdi, also called for justice to be served on the masterminds of the death of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya.
Miss Ochanya was serially raped by her aunt’s husband and nephew for months until she developed complications which resulted in her death.
While one of the suspects has been arrested by the police, one is said to still at large.
But over 500 persons adorned in black apparels matched through the street with placards bearing inscriptions like “Hang the papist, #JUSTICE4OCHANYA,” “No No No To Child Abuse,” “Sex Education For All,” among others, to drive home their demand for justice.
Some of those who spoke to our correspondent called on the government, parents and other stakeholders to protect the girl-child in Nigeria, insisting there are many Ochanyas in the country.
“Justice must be done for Ochanya and all sexually abused children in Nigeria.
“Rapists should be jailed for life with hard labour. Drive out the likes of Ochanya’s rapists from the society so that we the children can be safe and feel safe. We demand justice,” a student seen among the protesters shouted.
After a long march across some major streets, the leadership of the coalition demanded proper investigation into Miss Ochanya’ s case.
They also called for the arrest of the young man who is still at large and for the report of the investigation to be made public.
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They said their protest and sensitisation would help young people to starve of rapists and pedophiles.
One of the organisers, Audi Ogbeche, said the peaceful protest is aimed at creating awareness for those involved in such evil acts to desist from doing them.
“We are asking that a thorough and transparent investigation be carried out and the findings be made public. Let justice in its full meaning, full sense and spirit run its course.
“This is a solemn time for us in Benue and in Nigeria. We are using this opportunity to honour and to mourn our little angel, who suffered a cruel fate in the hands of those who should protect her.
“As concerned citizens, we totally condemn this dastardly and tragic incidence,” Ogbeche said.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Helen Teghtegh, insisted that justice must be done decisively.
She encouraged the women and the girl child to speak out saying, “I am encouraging women to talk. Let the girl child speak out, we mothers that had dead era will listen now and stand for each other.”
After observing a minute silence for late Miss Ochanya the group took the protest to the Government House.
