NYSC member assaulted in Anambra recounts harrowing experience with vigilante group, prompting arrests and nationwide condemnation

NYSC member assaulted in Anambra—the story of Jennifer Elohor—has stirred national outrage as the young corps member broke her silence days after being brutalized and stripped by members of the Agunechemba Security Network in Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.

Also read: Peter Obi condemns assault on NYSC member in Anambra

Her disturbing account, now shared widely across social media, follows the release of viral videos showing vigilante operatives violently assaulting her and accusing corps members of being internet fraudsters.

The footage triggered swift backlash from citizens, the NYSC, Anambra State Government, and security authorities.

Jennifer, who remained silent initially, finally opened up in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

Visibly shaken but resolute, she narrated how the masked, armed men stormed their lodge on July 23 around 5 p.m. without any form of identification.

“Before I got to the door, it was kicked open. A masked man with a gun stood outside. No uniform, no ID—nothing. We thought they were armed robbers,” she said.

Despite repeated attempts by her and fellow corps members to show NYSC ID cards and portals for verification, the vigilantes allegedly ignored their pleas, forcibly entered rooms, and seized personal devices.

Jennifer recounted the brutal moment the confrontation escalated after she questioned the legality of their actions.

“They started beating me, tore my clothes. They forced me into their vehicle, slapped me, and pressed my neck. It was horrifying,” she revealed.

Even colleagues who tried to defend her were not spared, with one reportedly struck by an iron rod while pleading for mercy.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of eight operatives involved, while the local vigilante group said the officers have been dismissed.

However, the police stated that Jennifer’s initial absence and reluctance to file charges slowed investigation efforts.

The NYSC and state authorities have condemned the incident, promising full support to the victim and a thorough inquiry into what has been described as a gross abuse of power.

The attack has reignited conversations about the unchecked actions of local vigilante groups and the vulnerability of Nigerian youth corps members posted to volatile areas.

Social commentators and activists have called for stronger oversight, with many describing Jennifer’s experience as a chilling example of systemic intimidation and lawlessness.

Also read: Man arrested for assaulting wife in shocking postpartum attack

As Jennifer’s voice echoes across the nation, calls grow louder for justice—not just through internal discipline—but through legal accountability for what many have termed a criminal act of assault and dehumanization.

Source: Read more at thesun.ng