A lawyer representing an assaulted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, has alleged that vigilante operatives in Anambra State threatened to rape and kill her during a violent raid in Oba community.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, counsel Cyrus Onu explained that the incident occurred when members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group (Operation Udo Ga-Achi) stormed the residence of corps members without proper identification, branding them as internet fraudsters.
“They were banging on the door, and when Jennifer tried to open, they kicked it in. Most of them were masked, in plain clothes, and armed, leaving the corps members terrified,” Onu recounted.
He added that when Elobor insisted on contacting their Local Government Inspector, the vigilantes turned violent.
Assault And Threats
According to Onu, the operatives physically assaulted Elobor, made derogatory remarks, and issued chilling threats.
“She requested to change into proper clothing, but they told her, ‘We’ll see what you’re trying to cover today. We’ll beat you, rape you, kill you, and dump you, and no one will do anything,’” he alleged.
Other corps members who attempted to defend her were also threatened with death.
A viral video of the assault showed armed vigilantes manhandling Elobor and tearing her clothes, sparking nationwide outrage.
State Government Response
Reacting, the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, confirmed that the operatives had been arrested and suspended.
“They are suspended. Once a case is established, the person is arrested, handed over to the police, and subjected to disciplinary measures within our system,” Emeakayi stated.
However, Onu dismissed the state’s handling of the matter as inadequate, accusing officials of trying to downplay the case.
“If not for public outrage, this would have been swept under the carpet. They are not serious about prosecution. My clients are demanding justice and compensatory damages,” he said.
He confirmed that a petition has been filed with the state government to ensure criminal prosecution and compensation for the corps member.
