Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit who brutally assaulted and publicly stripped naked a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Jennifer Elobor.
The state government’s decision was announced on Wednesday in Awka, the state capital, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi.
Emeakayi explained that the government acted swiftly upon receiving reports of the incident, stressing that the dismissed operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
According to him, the operatives’ act was “totally outside the mandate of the agency and utterly condemnable.”
“The Soludo administration will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism, brutality or abuse of office by security operatives. Any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution,” he added.
He further disclosed that the state government had settled the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables, including a laptop and phone, and formally apologised to her family, the NYSC, and the public.
Emeakayi stressed that the unfortunate incident would serve as a turning point in reforming community security operations in Anambra State.
“This government is committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in all security engagements,” he said.
The assault took place in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, and was captured in a video posted by The Haven360 Foundation. The footage shows more than five fully armed vigilantes storming the corps members’ lodge, accusing Elobor and her colleagues of being internet fraudsters despite presenting valid NYSC identification cards and uniforms.
The video shows the operatives violently beating Elobor, tearing her clothes, and stripping her naked while she cried for help, as colleagues and other eyewitnesses pleaded for the assault to stop.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with calls for justice. Emeakayi confirmed that those responsible have been arrested and are under investigation.
