Family Decries Delay in Justice for Daughter Raped, Murdered Inside Church

Family Decries Delay in Justice for Daughter Raped, Murdered Inside Church

The family of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year-old University of Benin undergraduate, has lamented the prolonged delay in justice nearly six years after she was raped and murdered inside a church in Benin City, Edo State.

Vera, a 200-level Microbiology student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), was attacked on May 27, 2020, while studying for her examinations at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ikpoba Hill, where she had gone to read in a quiet environment.

She was reportedly assaulted and raped by persons yet to be identified, before being left unconscious in a pool of blood. A security officer later discovered her and rushed her to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where she died on May 30, 2020.

Speaking on Saturday at the deceased’s gravesite in Benin City during activities marking her birthday, a family representative, Judith Omozuwa, expressed deep pain over what she described as the slow pace of justice in the case.

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According to her, the family has continued to attend court hearings but has yet to see meaningful progress, nearly six years after Vera was brutally killed inside a church.

“The delay in justice has shattered our family,” Judith said. “The only thing that can give us peace is to see the culprits brought to book. Justice for Vera will also serve as a deterrent to others who may be nursing similar evil intentions.”

Also speaking, Vera’s elder sister, Sandra Omozuwa, appealed directly to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urging him to revisit the case and ensure that justice is delivered without further delay.

She called on the state government and security agencies to demonstrate renewed commitment to the case, stressing that the family has not relented in its pursuit of accountability.

The killing of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa in 2020 sparked nationwide outrage and protests, becoming a symbol of the broader crisis of rape, sexual violence, and insecurity, particularly against women and students.

Nearly six years on, her family says the pain remains fresh, insisting that justice delayed must not become justice denied.

Family Decries Delay in Justice for Daughter Raped, Murdered Inside Church