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Summary
Anambra First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has condemned the assault of NYSC corps member Jennifer Edema Elobor by vigilante operatives in Idemili South. The Nigerian Bar Association has also demanded justice and accountability for the perpetrators.
Anambra First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has condemned the assault of Jennifer Edema Elobor, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
A viral video circulated on August 18 showed armed operatives of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, beating and stripping Jennifer Edema of her clothing. The operatives accused her and other corps members of fraud despite her pleas and presentation of her NYSC identification card.
In a statement released in Awka, Dr. Nonye described the incident as “ugly, humiliating, and disturbing,” noting that it does not reflect Anambra’s identity.
“There is no justification whatsoever for such an ugly and humiliating abuse. Such a demeaning approach to law and order does not reflect our celebrated identity as a hospitable and humane society,” Dr. Nonye said.
She urged authorities already investigating the matter to ensure justice is served while emphasising the need to protect Anambra’s reputation.
Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the assault in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara. The association described the act as a “direct violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights” and “barbaric treatment.”
The NBA commended the Anambra State Government for swiftly arresting the operatives involved, but stressed that accountability must go beyond arrests.
“The perpetrators must be promptly and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as both redress for Ms. Jennifer and deterrence against similar abuses in the future,” the NBA said.
Meanwhile, the state government confirmed that the arrested operatives will face prosecution and promised that the full weight of the law would be applied.
