Controversy Erupts Over Stripping Of NYSC Member In Anambra

Outrage has erupted following the brutal beating and stripping of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member by vigilante operatives Anambra State.

In the viral video circulating online, the female NYSC member identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, can be seen being flogged and stripped by the gun-wielding operatives at her lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operatives assaulted her and some colleagues under the mistaken belief that they were “yahoo people.”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed shock and condemnation over the attack. In a statement titled “A Cry for Justice Against Barbarism in Anambra,” Obi said he felt deeply ashamed as an Anambra native.

“I just read with deep concern about the inhumane treatment meted out to a young lady in Anambra State,” Obi stated. “As an Anambrian myself, I feel not only ashamed but also deeply heartbroken that such cruelty could happen in 2025, in a society that ought to have advanced beyond such barbarous acts. I strongly condemn this act of primitive wickedness and savagery. No society should ever tolerate the abuse, humiliation, and dehumanisation of its citizens, least of all the vulnerable and women. What happened is not only a violation of law and morality, but also a direct assault on our collective humanity. That young girl could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, or even mine.”

The State Government also condemned the attack, confirming that the personnel involved have been arrested and placed under investigation.

READ MORE: Anambra Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists In Black Spot Raid

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, described the assault as “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He explained that the incident occurred during a joint security operation, codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi, which included personnel from the police, army, DSS, Civil Defence, and the state’s Agbunechemba security outfit under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025.

“The operatives were on the trail of suspected cultists riding motorcycles and chased them into a compound. In the process of searching the premises, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred,” Emeakayi said.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof Joy Ezeilo, also condemned the assault and called for safer cities for women, stressing the urgent need to end impunity.

“Why do some men—especially those tasked with protecting us—choose to target women and violate their dignity? The viral video of the female corper in Anambra State is a stark call for accountability: those responsible must be held to account. Who filmed this outrage, and who spread it? The answer, disturbingly, points to security personnel themselves. This demands urgent action. Every woman deserves respect for her dignity, her privacy, and her bodily autonomy. Let us stand up for women’s sanctuary—because justice means protecting everyone’s humanity,” Ezeilo said.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police confirmed that vigilante operatives reportedly carried out the assault. Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the suspects have been identified, although the absence of the alleged victim has temporarily delayed the ongoing investigation.

Ikenga emphasized that assault remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law and assured corps members across the state of the police’s commitment to their safety. He urged the public to report any harassment, intimidation, or abuse for swift intervention.

“The Command further cautions vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct will not be condoned,” he said.

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