Assault on corps member: Soludo sacks vigilante operatives

Awka—Anambra State government has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit in the state over the assault on a female National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Jennifer Elobor, serving in the state.

This came as the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, condemned the assault on Elobor, demanding the prosecution of those involved in what it described as an “inhumane” act.

Meanwhile, Cyrus Onu, lawyer to Elobor, has said the culprits had threatened to rape and kill her for speaking out during the assault.

Recall that on Monday, a video of armed security operatives under the umbrella of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, assaulting the corps member went viral.

Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, who spoke in Awka, yesterday, said the state had also covered the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables and tendered a public apology to her family and the NYSC.

According to Emeakayi, the operatives, who claimed they were in pursuit of suspected cultists, acted outside their mandate and would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

“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 said, stressing that the case would mark a turning point in reforming community security operations in the state.

When contacted for confirmation on whether the dismissed operatives had been transferred to police custody, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, did not respond to calls or messages sent to him.

NBA demands culprits’ prosecution

NBA in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, frowned on the action, calling it a “direct violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights” and a “barbaric treatment.”

It said: “The NBA commends the Anambra State government for its swift action in identifying and arresting the operatives responsible. This decisive move reflects commendable responsiveness to public outrage.

“However, accountability must not stop at arrest. The NBA insists that 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. Elobor and deterrence against similar abuses in the future.”