The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed outrage over what it described as the “brutal and degrading” assault on Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State.
The group, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi on Saturday, condemned the assault on the 28-year-old corps member from Delta State, which was captured in a viral video showing the corps member being stripped and humiliated, calling it “a flagrant violation of human dignity and a gross breach of Nigeria’s laws.”
“This shameful act is a chilling reminder of the unchecked powers often wielded by non-state security actors and the systemic failures that enable such abuse,” Zikirullahi said.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the Anambra State Police Command had on August 19 confirmed the assault in a statement, citing the victim’s absence as a hindrance to its investigation.
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CHRICED, however, faulted this explanation, saying, “The onus is on the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police to guarantee Ms. Elohor’s safety and psychological well-being, ensuring she can participate in the investigation and prosecution process without fear of reprisal.”
While acknowledging the dismissal of eight vigilante operatives by the Anambra State Government, the group described the action as insufficient. “Accountability must go beyond administrative sanctions. These individuals must face criminal prosecution under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, which unequivocally prohibits torture, inhuman and degrading treatment under any circumstances,” the statement read.
The Executive Director stressed that the actions of the vigilante group also violated Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the dignity of every citizen. “Community security must never come at the expense of human dignity. Any group found to be involved in systemic abuse should be disbanded, and its members held accountable under the law.”.
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He said that the incident exposed the vulnerability of corps members nationwide and urged the NYSC to develop and enforce robust measures to guarantee their safety. “This incident also underscores the urgent need for stronger protection protocols to safeguard young Nigerians during their year of national service,” CHRICED stated.
Zikirullahi reaffirmed the organization’s support for the victim. “CHRICED stands in unwavering solidarity with Ms. Elohor and calls on civil society organizations, human rights defenders, the international community, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure she receives comprehensive legal, psychological, and financial support,”.
“Vigilante brutality must end. Community security must be anchored in respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. Anything less is a betrayal of our national values.” he added.