Kebetkahce Demands Accountability Over Assault of Ms Miller Uchechi Ogadinma in Ahoada West Local Government Area

Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre and a coalition of other women-focused groups unequivocally condemn the reported assault of Ms Miller Uchechi Ogadinma in Ahoada West Local Government Area in River State. The groups are gravely concerned by reports that Ms. Miller Uchechi Ogadinma was allegedly attacked for courageously drawing attention to the dire conditions of the only secondary school in her community. Her attack, meant to intimidate and muzzle citizens, is unhealthy, unconstitutional and a challenge to the promotion of good governance in society.

Reports at our disposal indicate that Ms Uchechi Ogadinma was assaulted alongside her mother by the Ahoada West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Eugene Epelle after she voiced her concerns regarding the inadequate resources and poor infrastructure at the community secondary school in Odiokwu, bringing attention to the neglect of the school. The attack on her violates Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides for the protection of all persons from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

It is the duty of every public official to be open to feedback and to steadfastly protect the rights of citizens to speak out without fear of violence or retribution. It is an undeniable truth that the pursuit of better education and accountability should be met with support, not hostility.

This is the International Women’s Month, where every stakeholder is expected to recognise, respect and take action to protect the rights of women and girls. It is highly condemnable that Hon. Eugene Epelle, the AWELGA Chairman, is reported to allow himself to promote, supervise and sanction this despicable violent action. This is impudent and impertinent and speaks of total disregard for women as well as the international frameworks that promote women’s rights.

Give To Gain is the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, which seeks to elicit deliberate actions from Government and institutions to give generously as well as create increased opportunities for women and girls. The assault against Ms Ogadinma negates the principles of the International Women’s Day.

Our Immediate Demands

We call on His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State; the Deputy Governor; the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs; and all female political office holders to condemn the action of the AWELGA Chairman and also ensure the protection of the voices of women. To ensure accountability, protection and justice, Kebetkache and all the allied organizations specifically call for the following urgent actions:

1. Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara; to direct that the matter be investigated promptly and that an independent inquiry be instituted to establish the facts.

2. The Rivers State House of Assembly and the House Committee on Women to bring this matter to the floor of the House and get it treated with sufficient seriousness and the urgency it requires to deter other public officials from engaging in similar unprogressive action.

3. Rivers State Police Command; to carry out a fast, impartial and transparent criminal investigation; to collect and preserve evidence; and to ensure that any person reasonably suspected of criminal conduct is brought before a competent court in accordance with the law.

4. Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs; to coordinate immediate protection measures for the survivor, including medical treatment, psycho-social support and safe shelter.

5. Rivers State Ministry of Education; to urgently inspect and address the deplorable conditions of public schools in Odiokwu and other affected communities and to guarantee that students and community members can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

6. National Human Rights Commission (Rivers State Office); to undertake an independent investigation into this incident as a potential human rights violation and to advise on remedial steps.

7. Hon Eugene Epelle, AWELGA Chairman; Tender a formal public apology and undertake immediate medical care for the survivor, Ms Uchechi Ogadinma and take responsibility for covering all medical expenses and any additional reparative measures required by the survivor.

We urge the authorities to provide regular public updates on the status of investigations and to make findings available to the public, consistent with due process and the need to protect the survivor’s privacy and safety.

Justice must not only be demanded; it must be seen! Kebetkache stands in solidarity with the survivor, her family and all community members who seek safe, inclusive and accountable governance. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and will support all lawful efforts to secure redress.

Signed:

• Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre

• Society for Women and Youth Affairs

• Centre for Gender Equity and Sustainable Development

• Amaclare Connect and Development Initiative

• League of Queens International Empowerment

• Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET)

Media Contact:

Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre

Nsemeke Fabian Asanga - fabian@kebetkachewomencentre.com

+234 8131969053

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