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By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged assault and humiliation of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, was captured in viral videos showing armed operatives—suspected to be members of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Agụnechemba Vigilante Group) storming a corps lodge and assaulting residents.
One of the victims, identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, and verbally degraded by the operatives, who accused the corps members of engaging in internet fraud despite their immediate presentation of NYSC identity cards.
Eyewitness clips showed the young woman crying for help as the vigilante members tore her clothes and subjected her to inhumane treatment. Rights groups have described the attack as a gross violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights.
Reacting, The Haven Foundation, a non-governmental organization, condemned the incident and urged Governor Charles Soludo to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The group demanded immediate arrest, prosecution, and compensation for the victims, stressing that such actions must not go unpunished.
“This was a heinous act. We call on both state and federal authorities to act swiftly to deliver justice and protect the safety of corps members across Nigeria,” the Foundation said in a statement.
The matter has already been reported by the victim’s parents and legal representatives to the appropriate authorities, heightening pressure on the state government to intervene.
The Operation Udo Ga-Achi security outfit, under which the alleged perpetrators operate, was set up by the state government to assist in fighting crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and cultism. However, this latest development has drawn public criticism of the group’s methods and oversight.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that suspects had been identified, though the absence of the victim has slowed down investigations.
Ikenga assured that assault of any kind is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and would not be tolerated. He added that the police would take appropriate legal action once investigations are completed.
“The Command warns vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of power. Such misconduct will not be condoned,” he emphasized.
The Police also reassured corps members serving in Anambra of their safety and encouraged them to promptly report any case of harassment or intimidation for immediate response.
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