From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Youth Corp member, Edema Jennifer serving in Oba in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State has been assaulted by operatives of Agunechemba security operatives.
In a trending video, that surfaced on Tuesday, the female Corp member was stripped naked while she was being beaten to pulp.
Sources claimed that the young lady observing her one year mandatory NYSC program in the community was accused of being a Yahoo Plus girl.
A number of respondents who commented over the attack and assault of an NYSC member by Anambra State controlled security outfit condemned what they called over zealousness and reckless disposition of the Agunechemba security operatives.
“If they suspect the young lady who is a visitor to the state of being a Yahoo Plus girl, the wise thing, I expect them to do is hand her over to Police officers for investigation and prosection and not acting as the investigators and judge at the same time.
“During the Anambra South senatorial bye-election on Saturday, a section of the group arrested eighteen journalists on duty at Osumenyi, for crying out loud, is election duty part of the jurisdictions?” An eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has condemned in strong terms the alleged assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oba.
Following the incident, the suspects involved have been identified. The Command, however, notes that the alleged victim’s unavailability has temporarily stalled the ongoing investigative process.
Meanwhile, the Command has reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian Law and reserves the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim.
The condemnation was contained in statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP)
The police authorities however reassured Corps members serving across the State of its unwavering commitment to their protection, urging them to always report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention.
The Command further cautioned vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct will not be condoned.
The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections, Mr Peter Obi, the Anambra State Government through the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor PhD as well as Mrs Nonye Soludo and other stakeholders have in separate statements condemned the brutal attack on Jennifer.