By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has condemned in strong terms the alleged assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, while also cautioning vigilante groups against acts of brutality and abuse of authority.
This is coming in reaction to the disturbing reports and viral videos showing the alleged maltreatment of some corps members by operatives suspected to belong to the Operation Udo Ga-Achi security outfit, also known as the Agụnechemba Vigilante Group.
Recall that a female corps member, identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, was reportedly brutalized and stripped naked during a recent with security operatives at her lodge, and which has sparked outrage across social media platforms. The operatives, armed with guns, were seen in a viral video storming the corps members’ lodge, accusing them of being internet fraudsters despite their immediate presentation of NYSC identity cards and uniforms.
Eyewitness videos captured the heart-wrenching moment the female corps member cried for help as the security operatives descended heavily on her, tearing her clothes and leaving her exposed while continuing to beat her. The ordeal, which included s3xually degrading threats and words, has been described as inhumane and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.
The Haven Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has since condemned the attack and called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. In its statement, the group described the assault as “heinous” and urged both the state and federal governments to act decisively to secure justice.
“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individuals involved, and comprehensive reparation and compensation for the physical harm and psychological trauma inflicted upon the victims,” the Foundation declared. It further urged civil societies, influencers, and parents across the country to stand in solidarity with the corps members and demand justice.
The Foundation added that the victim’s parents and legal counsel have already reported the matter to relevant authorities, underscoring the urgency of government intervention.
Operation Udo Ga-Achi, under which the alleged perpetrators operate, was launched by the Anambra State Government earlier this year to support security agencies in combating kidnapping, robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes ravaging the state. However, this incident has now thrown the outfit into public scrutiny, with many Nigerians questioning the conduct and oversight of vigilante groups in the state.
Meanwhile, reacting to the viral video in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspects involved have been identified, though the temporary unavailability of the victim has slowed down the investigation.
Ikenga, however, assured that assault of any form is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and would not be condoned. He emphasized that the Command reserves the right to take legal action in aid of the courts once investigations are concluded.
The Command also reassured corps members serving in Anambra of its unwavering commitment to their safety, urging them to promptly report cases of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for immediate intervention.
“The Command further cautions vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct will not be condoned,” Ikenga concluded.
Watch the video below:
