The former Governor of Anambra State and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has voiced strong condemnation of the recent shocking assault on Jennifer Elobor, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, by operatives of a state vigilante outfit in Anambra State.
The incident, which involved the young woman being publicly humiliated, has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.
In a statement posted via his official X handle on Tuesday, August 19, Obi expressed deep distress over the inhumane treatment meted out to the victim.
He described the attack as a blatant violation of both human dignity and the fundamental principles of justice, urging swift action from the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Obi began his statement with the powerful declaration: “A Cry for Justice Against Barbarism in Anambra.”
He elaborated on his personal sense of shame and heartbreak:
“I have read with profound concern about the inhumane treatment inflicted on a young lady in our state.
“As an Anambrian myself, I feel not only ashamed but also deeply heartbroken that such cruelty could take place in 2025, in a society that should have progressed beyond barbaric acts.”
He described the incident as an act of “primitive wickedness” and a stark reminder that no society should tolerate the abuse, humiliation, and dehumanization of its citizens, particularly women and vulnerable individuals.
“This is not only a violation of law and morality but also a direct assault on our shared humanity.
“That young girl could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, or even my own child. It is unacceptable for such acts to occur in our communities,” Obi emphasized.
Beyond condemnation, Obi called for a collective awakening of society’s conscience:
“We must work together to foster a society where justice is immediate, compassion is active, and the dignity of every human being—especially the young and vulnerable—is respected and protected.
“To ignore such cruelty is to endanger the very foundation of civilization.”
He also issued a direct appeal to the authorities:
“I call on the relevant government agencies and security authorities to ensure that those responsible are immediately apprehended, prosecuted, and made examples of, in order to deter future acts of violence and abuse.
“More importantly, let this tragic incident compel us to establish stronger safeguards, policies, and cultural values that protect the vulnerable and check the excesses of the powerful.”
Obi concluded by reminding citizens of the essential role of humanity in sustaining a just society:
“Our humanity must always come first. Without it, we risk becoming a people adrift in cruelty, disconnected from the values that define us as a society.
“We must never forget that the measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members.”
The former governor’s statement has resonated widely, prompting calls for urgent reforms in the state’s vigilante operations and stronger mechanisms to protect citizens from abuse and humiliation.