A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elohor, has narrated her ordeal after being assaulted by members of the Anambra security outfit, Agunechemba, at a corps lodge in Oba, Idemili Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on July 13, went viral in a video showing operatives armed with guns storming the lodge, accusing the corps members of being Internet fraudsters, and beating Elohor despite her pleas for help.
Her account has sparked outrage, with civil society groups, lawmakers, and human rights organisations condemning the vigilante group’s actions and calling for justice and sanctions.
In an interview with media personality Aprokoking, shared online Wednesday, Elohor explained that the operatives broke into their apartment, assaulted them, and whisked her and some colleagues away.
She recalled: “At first, we thought it was our neighbours’ door because it’s a three-storey building with several flats. But the knock became louder and more aggressive, so I decided to check. Before I could reach the door, it was kicked open.
“A masked man armed with a gun stormed into the room without any form of identification or uniform.
“At first, I thought it was an armed robber until he ordered all of us to come outside. I tried to explain that we were corps members and even suggested showing our NYSC identity cards. My colleagues also presented theirs, but the men ignored us. The intruders ransacked our room, seized our phones and laptops, and became violent.
“They pushed us downstairs, almost shoving me down the staircase. They kept asking what gave me the right, as a woman, to challenge them. It was when we got outside that we saw their vehicle and discovered they were from the Anambra Vigilante Group.”
She further alleged that the operatives escalated their brutality when they sought to call NYSC officials or their lodge proprietor.
“They beat me, tore my clothes, and even hit one of my colleagues with an iron rod for pleading on my behalf. They forced me into their vehicle, pressing my neck, slapping me, and threatening to smash our phones if we contacted anyone,” she added.
Amid the backlash, the Anambra State Government tendered a public apology. Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security and leader of Agunechemba, Ken Emeakayi, announced Thursday that eight personnel involved had been identified, dismissed, arrested, and detained.
Emeakayi stressed the government’s resolve to uphold accountability and reforms, saying: “We use the occasion to tender an apology to anyone who has suffered abuse or harassment in the hands of Agunechemba personnel. The administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo believes deeply in the rule of law and will never shield any operative who acts unlawfully.
“Those responsible for the incident have been sacked and arrested. We also call for regular feedback from communities, not only complaints, but suggestions that can help improve the performance of Agunechemba.
“Such a partnership will enable the government to shape the outfit into a people-centred force where discipline, respect for human rights and professionalism come first.”
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