Ogona Anita
A coalition of women’s rights organisations has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged assault of Ms. Miller Uchechi Ogadinma in Ahoada West Local Government Area, accusing the council chairman of involvement in the incident.
In a press statement issued on March 6, 2026, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre and several allied groups condemned the reported attack on Ogadinma, who they said was assaulted after raising concerns about the deteriorating condition of the only secondary school in her community of Odiokwu. �
The groups alleged that Ogadinma and her mother were attacked by the chairman of the local government, Eugene Ekpelle, following her public complaints about poor infrastructure and lack of resources at the community school.
According to the statement, the incident represents an attempt to silence citizens who speak out about governance issues and violates the right to freedom from cruel or degrading treatment as provided under international human rights frameworks. �
The organisations described the alleged assault as particularly disturbing as it occurred during International Women’s Month, a period dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls.
They further noted that the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, “Give to Gain,” calls for deliberate actions by governments and institutions to create more opportunities for women, stressing that the reported incident contradicts those principles.
The coalition called on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to direct a prompt investigation into the matter and establish an independent inquiry to determine the facts.
They also urged the Rivers State House of Assembly, the state Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the police command, and the National Human Rights Commission to take immediate steps to ensure justice, protection for the survivor, and improvement of public school conditions in the affected community.
Among other demands, the groups asked Ekpelle to tender a public apology to the victim and cover all medical expenses resulting from the alleged attack.
The coalition said it would continue to monitor developments and support lawful efforts to secure justice for the victim and ensure accountability in governance.
The statement was jointly signed by 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, and Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET).
