The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has condemned the assault on a corps member, Jennifer Elobor, by local security operatives in Anambra State.
A video of the incident emerged, showing members of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, beating and stripping the corps member naked.
The incident occurred in the Oba Community of Idemnili South Local Government Area, with the operatives accusing the corps members of being fraudsters.
Describing it as “unfortunate,” the NYSC wrote in a statement on Wednesday that there was no justification for such an action.
“Management strongly condemns the unacceptable and dehumanising manner in which the operatives conducted their operations, irrespective of their initial justification for the purported investigation they set out to carry out at the facility where the corps members were accommodated,” the NYSC Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said.
The NYSC described the incident as “unfortunate” and stated that there was no justification for such an action.
The NYSC has promised to provide psychological assistance to the corps member to help her manage the trauma resulting from the incident.
The agency has welcomed the Anambra State Government’s investigation into the incident and has pledged to support the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the prosecution of those involved in the “inhumane” act, praising the Anambra State Government for arresting the culprits.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as both redress for Ms. Elobor and deterrence against similar abuses in the future,” the NBA said.
The NYSC has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of corps members.
