Anambra Gov Soludo Dismisses Vigilantes,Orders Prosecution Over NYSC Assault

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit for the brutal assault and public stripping of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Jennifer Elobor. The incident took place in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, during a security operation targeting suspected cultists.

According to Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, the operatives were pursuing suspected cultists who fled into a compound where Miss Elobor was located. While the law allows the Agunechemba outfit to enter compounds in pursuit of suspects, the assault on the corps member was described as “totally outside the mandate of the agency and utterly condemnable.” The government acted swiftly upon receiving reports, dismissing the eight officers and ordering their handover to the police for prosecution. The victim’s medical bills have been settled, her damaged belongings replaced, and a public apology tendered to her family, the NYSC, and the public.

The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the assault and commenced an investigation, emphasizing that assault is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. They warned vigilante groups against brutality and abuse of authority during operations, and a full investigation is ongoing. Despite calls for quiet resolution from the victim’s family and NYSC officials, the state government is committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights, using the incident as a turning point for reforming community security operations in Anambra.

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The disturbing video of the assault, which circulated widely on social media, showed the female corps member being beaten, stripped, and humiliated by the vigilantes, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for justice.