News Article: NYSC Member Jennifer Elohor Recounts Brutal Assault by Anambra Vigilante Group
Oba, Anambra State – August 21, 2025 – A female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Edema Elohor, has broken her silence on a traumatic assault she suffered at the hands of operatives from the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, also known as Operation Udo Ga-Achi, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The incident, which occurred on July 23, 2025, and gained widespread attention after a viral video surfaced on Monday, has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
In a detailed video statement shared on X, Elohor recounted the harrowing ordeal, which took place at approximately 5 p.m. at her corps lodge. “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 said. Elohor explained that the operatives stormed the lodge, accusing her and her colleagues of being internet fraudsters (“Yahoo people”) despite their immediate presentation of NYSC identity cards and uniforms.
The operatives reportedly kicked open the door, ransacked the lodge, seized phones and laptops, and subjected Elohor to severe physical assault, including beating and stripping her naked. “They beat me, tore my clothes, and forced me into their vehicle. They pressed my neck, slapped me, and told us if we contacted anyone, they would smash our phones,” she added. One of her colleagues was allegedly struck with an iron rod for pleading on her behalf. The assault included sexually degrading threats, leaving Elohor bloodied and humiliated.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation. The NYSC described the attack as “unacceptable” and vowed to ensure justice, while the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the perpetrators have been identified and handed over for prosecution. The state government, through Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Ken Emeakayi, labeled the operatives as “bad eggs” and announced their disengagement from service. Anambra’s First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, reached out to Elohor to offer support and invited her to the Government House, though Elohor was out of the state at the time.
Public reaction has been fierce, with organizations like the Legal Assistance and Citizens Rights Initiative (LACRI) and Haven360 Foundation demanding immediate prosecution, compensation, and reforms to prevent future abuses by vigilante groups. Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor called the assault a “national shame” and an affront to the NYSC’s mission of fostering unity and service. Some, including Labour Party candidate Dr. George Moghalu, have called for the disbandment of the Agunechemba group, alleging it serves political purposes.
The viral video, first shared by Haven360 Foundation, has fueled calls for accountability, with hashtags like #JusticeForJennifer trending on X. Netizens expressed shock and anger, with one user stating, “This is a disgrace to Nigeria. How can those meant to protect us turn into predators?” The Delta State Government also condemned the assault on Elohor, a Delta indigene, demanding thorough investigation and justice.
As investigations continue, the incident has raised broader questions about the oversight of vigilante groups in Nigeria and the safety of NYSC members serving nationwide. The Anambra State Government has pledged to enhance training for security operatives to prevent such abuses, while Elohor and her supporters await justice and reparations for the physical and psychological trauma endured.
Note: The information is based on verified reports from web sources and posts on X. The incident remains under investigation, and readers are encouraged to approach the topic critically.