Human rights organisation Haven360 Foundation has condemned the alleged brutal assault of a female National Youth Service Corps member, identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, by operatives of a local vigilante group in Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, has gone viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage. According to Haven360 Foundation, more than five armed operatives of the Anambra State security outfit known as Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also called the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, stormed a corps members’ lodge and accused the occupants of being internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo girls” or “Yahoo people.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, the foundation said the operatives forcefully entered the lodge despite the victims presenting their NYSC identification cards and uniforms. Viral footage reportedly shows the female corps member being dragged, beaten, and stripped naked by armed men. Voices heard in Igbo during the confrontation were shouting, while bystanders pleaded with the operatives to stop.
Haven360 Foundation further alleged that some of the armed men attempted to discharge their firearms during the incident, escalating panic among the victims and witnesses. “The assault was particularly egregious in the case of Jennifer Edema Elohor, who was beaten, stripped naked, and left exposed and covered in blood,” the group stated.
The organisation also claimed the victims were subjected to degrading verbal abuse and threats of sexual violence during the attack. The Agunechemba Vigilante Group was established under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration as part of state efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to Haven360 Foundation, the victims, through their families and legal representatives, have petitioned the organisation for advocacy and legal support. The group is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved, as well as compensation for what it described as gross violations of human rights and the psychological trauma inflicted.
“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individuals involved in this heinous act and comprehensive reparation and compensation for the gross violation of the victims’ rights,” the organisation said.
It urged the Anambra State Government to take urgent action and called on federal authorities to ensure accountability. The foundation appealed to civil society organisations, media influencers, and Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the victims and demand justice.
“Our team is already on the ground working with legal representation for the victims… We will not rest until justice prevails,” Haven360 Foundation added….See More
