Anambra Vigilantes Brutally Assault and Strip NYSC Corps Member, Spark Outcry for Justice

Jennifer Elohor, a 28-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member from Delta State, has recounted her harrowing experience of being brutally assaulted, stripped naked, and nearly killed by operatives of Agunechemba, a state-owned vigilante security outfit in Anambra State. The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, at the corps members’ lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

According to Elohor, the ordeal began around 5 p.m. when a group of masked and armed men forcefully broke into the lodge without any identification or uniforms and accused the corps members of involvement in Internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.” Despite presenting their NYSC identity cards and uniforms, the vigilantes ignored their protests and subjected them to physical abuse.

The assailants tore Elohor’s clothes, dragged her naked outside, and beat her mercilessly while threatening to shoot and dump her body in the bush. Other corps members were also assaulted, with one woman beaten with an iron rod for pleading on Elohor’s behalf. Elohor was taken to a vigilante secretariat through a bush path, still naked and bleeding, where they were held along with other young people accused of similar offenses. They were only released after their lodge proprietor intervened and confirmed their identities.

The distressing event was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage across Nigeria. The Anambra State Government has since dismissed eight operatives involved in the assault, handed them over to the police for investigation, and issued a public apology. The police condemned the act as illegal and warned vigilante groups against abuse of authority. The Nigerian Bar Association also called for the prosecution of those responsible and emphasized the need for security operatives to respect human rights and professionalism.

Despite assurances from local government officials, Elohor has expressed frustration over the lack of visible justice, as some of the men allegedly involved were seen freely roaming the area after the incident. She remains determined to pursue legal action to ensure punishment for the perpetrators and to safeguard her life as she continues her service, which she must complete by October 2025.

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This incident has reignited discussions on the abuse of power by vigilante groups in Nigeria and the urgent need for reforms to protect vulnerable citizens, including NYSC members who serve the country.