A disturbing case of brutality has emerged in Anambra State, where local security operatives allegedly assaulted and threatened a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor.
According to her lawyer, Cyrus Onu, the incident occurred when heavily armed security agents stormed the corps members’ lodge in Oba community. The operatives, identified as members of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Agunechemba Vigilante Group), were reportedly masked, dressed in mufti, and failed to provide any official identification before accusing the corps members of internet fraud.
On Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Onu revealed that when Jennifer demanded to contact her Local Government Inspector (LGI) before following the operatives, the situation escalated.
“That was when they started beating her, making derogatory comments that as a woman she had no right to challenge them. They told her, ‘We’ll beat you, rape you, kill you, and dump your body. Nobody will say anything,’” Onu said.
The lawyer further alleged that Jennifer’s colleagues who tried to defend her were also threatened. A viral video of the incident showed the vigilante group assaulting her, tearing her clothes, and intimidating other corps members with guns.
Government Response
The Anambra State Government, through Governor Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, condemned the assault, confirming that the perpetrators had been arrested and suspended pending investigation.
However, Onu criticized the government’s handling of the case, accusing officials of downplaying the victim’s cooperation and failing to take prosecution seriously.
“They are not prepared to prosecute. If not for public outrage, the matter would have been swept under the carpet,” he insisted.
The legal team has since petitioned the Anambra State Government, demanding not only criminal prosecution of the operatives but also compensatory damages for Jennifer and other corps members traumatized by the attack.
This case highlights growing concerns about the abuse of power by vigilante groups in Nigeria and calls into question the protection of NYSC members serving in volatile communities.