The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strongly condemned the assault of a corps member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of a local vigilante group in Anambra State, describing the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NYSC’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said there was no justification for the “dehumanising” treatment meted out to the corps member.
“Management strongly condemns the unacceptable and degrading manner in which the operatives conducted their operations, irrespective of their so-called justification for the investigation at the corps members’ residence,” the statement read.
A video that surfaced online showed members of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, popularly known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, assaulting and stripping Elobor in the Oba community of Idemili South Local Government Area.
The vigilantes accused her and other corps members of engaging in fraudulent activities.
The Anambra State Government, in reaction, confirmed the arrest of the operatives involved and announced that investigations were ongoing.
The NYSC commended the state government’s swift action and pledged its full cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure justice is served.
“This, we believe, will not only secure justice for the corps member in question but also for any other aggrieved party,” the statement added.
The agency further revealed that measures were being put in place to provide both psychological and physiological support to Elobor as she recovers from the trauma of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has joined in condemning the assault, describing it as “inhumane” and calling for the perpetrators to face prosecution without delay.
In a joint statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe and National Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, the association insisted that justice must be both delivered and seen to be delivered.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as redress for Ms. Elobor and as a deterrent against similar abuses in the future,” the NBA declared, while commending the Anambra State Government for swiftly arresting the suspects.
