The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has issued a strong condemnation of the shocking assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who is currently serving in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The incident has drawn widespread outrage and raised concerns about the conduct of vigilante groups in the state.
The victim, identified as Jennifer Oedema Elohor, was reportedly attacked and stripped naked by members of a vigilante group operating under the name Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known locally as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.
According to the Haven360 Foundation, an organisation advocating for victims of such attacks, the assault occurred on July 23, 2025, after the vigilante operatives stormed the lodge where corps members reside.
They allegedly accused the NYSC members of engaging in cybercrime, commonly called “Yahoo Yahoo,” despite the absence of evidence.
Eyewitness accounts revealed the horrifying details of the attack.
The assailants reportedly struck Jennifer multiple times before forcibly tearing off her clothes, leaving her fully exposed.
In a display of defiance and professionalism, the corps members immediately presented their uniforms and official NYSC identity cards; however, this did not deter the vigilante group from continuing the assault.
The incident has been widely circulated on social media, triggering outrage among Nigerians and human rights advocates.
In response to the incident, Dr. Nonye Soludo released a statement to reporters in Awka, describing the attack as “ugly, humiliating, and entirely unjustifiable.”
She emphasised that such actions do not reflect the values of Anambra State or the administration’s commitment to maintaining human dignity and respect.
“I have seen a viral video of the sad incident reported in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, involving men of Agunechemba security formation and a female corps member serving in Anambra State.
“There is no justification whatsoever for such an ugly and humiliating abuse. Such demeaning treatment under the guise of law and order does not reflect our celebrated identity as a hospitable and humane administration.
“There are always rules of engagement in such situations, and they must prioritise dignity, civility, and respect.
“I find the Oba incident very disturbing. I appeal to the appropriate authorities, who are already investigating, to take decisive measures to ensure justice is served and prevent such worrisome incidents from recurring.
“Anambra’s image is priceless; we must guard it jealously.”
Following the widespread condemnation, the Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante operatives involved in the assault.
Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to hold all perpetrators accountable, and steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the role of vigilante groups in Nigeria, their methods of enforcing law and order, and the need for stricter oversight to prevent abuse.
Human rights advocates have called for greater protection for corps members and citizens, stressing that no individual should face such inhumane treatment.