The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has condemned the ridiculous assault on one of its corps members in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State by a local vigilante group.
According to reports that the armed operatives of the Udo Ga-Achi security outfit, popularly known as the Agunechemba vigilante group, is at the centre of the assault.
Similarly, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), The Haven Foundation (THF), has urged the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, to take swift action against members of the vigilante group accused of brutalising the corps member.
“Our findings revealed that a group of operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group forcefully entered a Corps Lodge in Oba, alleging that the place was being used for illegal activities which has not been substantiated.
“The operatives demanded that every occupant of the Lodge should submit themselves for a search, while Corps Member Edema Elohor Jennifer, AN/24C/0626 who was on a visit to the lodge was assaulted. As an aftermath, the matter has been reported to the police while investigations and other necessary actions are ongoing,” NYSC said in a statement.
Consequently, NYSC restated its strong commitment to the welfare and security of its corps members nationwide, saying it would not condone any individual or group of persons that undermines the security of corps members for whatsoever reasons.
The NYSC enjoined members of the public to provide adequate security for corps members in all their respective places of Primary Assignment (PPA) and host communities.
In its reaction, THF noted that despite presenting their NYSC identity cards and uniforms, the corps members were accused of being internet fraudsters.
In the footage, one female corps member, later identified as Jennifer Edema Elobor, was repeatedly beaten by the operatives.
Her clothes were torn in the process, leaving her exposed as she cried for help.
Social media users have since expressed outrage over the incident, condemning the conduct of the vigilantes and demanding accountability.
Reacting, THF described the attack as a gross violation of human rights and called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The group also demanded compensation for the physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims.
“This assault was egregious, degrading, and unacceptable. We demand immediate justice for the victims and urge the Anambra State Government to act decisively to ensure such abuses do not go unpunished,” it said in a statement.
It further appealed to the Federal Government, civil society groups, and parents of corps members to speak out against the incident, stressing that the NYSC scheme must be a safe platform for national service.
The Udo Ga-Achi security network was launched earlier this year by the state government to complement the police in combating kidnapping, robbery, and cultism.
However, Tuesday’s incident has raised fresh concerns about the conduct and accountability of vigilante groups operating across the state.