Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate dismissal and prosecution of eight members of the Agunechemba Security outfit following their brutal assault on a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Jennifer Elobor.
The operatives were caught on video assaulting and publicly stripping the corps member in broad daylight. The video, which went viral on social media on Tuesday, sparked widespread outrage across the country.
Miss Elobor, who is currently serving in the state, was reportedly accused by the vigilante group of an undisclosed offence before being beaten and humiliated by the men. The disturbing footage showed her being physically abused while onlookers watched helplessly.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, Governor Soludo’s administration condemned the act and announced strong measures against those involved.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, confirmed that the services of the eight security operatives had been terminated with immediate effect.
According to Emeakayi, “The state government acted promptly upon receiving the report and has taken decisive action. The eight operatives involved in this unacceptable act have been relieved of their duties and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.”
He stressed that the Soludo administration has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and warned that any individual or group caught taking the law into their own hands would face serious consequences.
“This government will not tolerate jungle justice or any form of abuse of citizens, especially patriotic young Nigerians serving their country,” he added.
The NYSC scheme is a one-year mandatory national service programme for Nigerian graduates, aimed at fostering unity and development across the country. Corps members are often posted to states different from their states of origin, where they work in schools, government offices, and private establishments.
Many citizens have expressed concern over the safety of corps members, especially in volatile or rural areas. The latest incident has once again raised questions about the use of local vigilante groups and their mode of operation.
Agunechemba Security outfit is a community-based local vigilante group recognized by some local authorities to assist in maintaining peace and order in various parts of Anambra State. However, the group has come under scrutiny in recent times over alleged abuses and excessive use of force.
Reacting to the incident, the NYSC management condemned the attack and called for justice. A spokesperson for the scheme, who spoke anonymously, described the treatment of Miss Elobor as “barbaric and disgraceful.”
“This is totally unacceptable. Corps members deserve protection, not assault. We are following the matter closely and demand that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law,” the spokesperson said.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have also weighed in, urging the government to monitor the activities of vigilante groups more closely. Some have called for the complete overhaul or regulation of community-based security outfits in the state.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have taken custody of the eight suspects. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing and promised that justice will be served.
“We have the suspects in custody, and we are investigating all angles of the case. The law must take its course,” the police said.
Residents in the area where the incident occurred have expressed shock over the actions of the security operatives. Many described the assault as an embarrassment to the community and an act that must not go unpunished.
Miss Elobor is reportedly receiving medical attention and psychological support following the traumatic experience. Her family has called on the government to ensure her safety and bring those responsible to justice.
Governor Soludo, who has championed reforms in security and governance since assuming office, reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of all residents and visitors in the state.
“No one is above the law. These kinds of actions are totally unacceptable under my watch. We will continue to build a secure and just Anambra for all,” he said in a statement.
