The Traffic

Soludo Sacks Vigilante Operatives Over Brutal Assault on Corps Member

…NBA insists on prosecution, lawyer alleges rape, death threats, Dafinone condemns attack

Awka, Anambra State — The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, popularly known as Operation Udo Ga-Achi, following the brutal assault on a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, which sparked nationwide outrage.

The dismissal, announced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, came after disturbing videos circulated online showing armed operatives harassing and physically assaulting the corps member.

Emeakayi confirmed that the state government had settled Elobor’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables, and issued a formal apology to her family and the NYSC. He stressed that the culprits, who were initially deployed for anti-cultist operations, acted outside their mandate and would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

“The Soludo administration will not tolerate unprofessionalism, brutality, or abuse of office by any security operative. This government is committed to protecting lives and dignity. This case marks a turning point in community security reforms,” Emeakayi said.

NBA Demands Accountability Beyond Dismissal

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) swiftly weighed in, demanding not only dismissal but full prosecution of the perpetrators.

In a joint statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described the attack as “an inhumane, barbaric violation of dignity and fundamental human rights.”

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Arrest is not enough — there must be diligent prosecution to serve as deterrence,” the NBA stressed, while also calling for comprehensive retraining of community security outfits across the country.

Lawyer Reveals Threats of Rape and Murder

Elobor’s lawyer, Cyrus Onu, painted an even more chilling picture of the ordeal. Speaking on Channels Television, Onu alleged that the operatives not only assaulted the corps member but also threatened to rape and kill her if she resisted.

“They said, ‘That thing you’re trying to cover, we’ll see it today. We’ll beat you up, rape you, kill you, and dump you, and nobody can do anything,’” Onu revealed.

According to him, the operatives stormed the NYSC lodge masked and armed, accused the corps members of being fraudsters, and ignored repeated requests to identify themselves. Elobor, who insisted on calling her Local Government Inspector (LGI) before following them, was then singled out and beaten.

Her colleagues who attempted to defend her were also threatened at gunpoint.

Onu accused the state of attempting a cover-up until the viral video forced the government’s hand. He confirmed that his client would not only pursue criminal charges but also seek compensatory damages.

National Outcry and Political Condemnation

The assault has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the National Assembly. Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) described the act as “barbaric, inhuman, and a disgrace to national service.”

“No Nigerian citizen, let alone a young lady serving her fatherland, should be subjected to such dehumanising treatment,” Dafinone said, calling for compensation for the victim and a nationwide review of NYSC safety protocols.

Civil society organisations have also warned that such incidents erode public trust in security agencies and could discourage young Nigerians from participating in the NYSC programme.

Lingering Questions

As of press time, the Anambra State Police Command had yet to confirm whether the dismissed operatives had been transferred into their custody for prosecution. The Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, did not respond to repeated inquiries.

The case has reignited debate over the regulation of vigilante groups, many of whom operate with little oversight despite wielding significant influence in local communities.

For Elobor, however, the ordeal has left scars deeper than bruises. As her lawyer put it:

“There must be consequences for bad behaviour. If impunity thrives, then no corps member is safe.”

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna