ASSAULT ON ANAMBRA CORPS MEMBER AN INSULT TO NYSC – LAWYER
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
A human rights attorney and representative for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has characterized the assault on a female corps member in Oba, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State, Miss Jennifer Elohor, as a national disgrace and a manifestation of rampant lawlessness.
Ejiofor, in a press release issued on Thursday, stated that the humiliating treatment of Elohor is not merely an individual misfortune, but also a blatant violation of the integrity of the national youth service program, an initiative intended to promote unity, service, and national identity.
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He further asserted that no imaginable offense could justify the public humiliation of an unarmed young woman in her own Corpers’ Lodge – a refuge that should have been a sanctuary rather than a stage for degradation.
He emphasized that nowhere within a civilized society should such barbarism ever be condoned, and it must not be ignored like other instances of human rights violations.
The statement included the following excerpt: “Recently, a profoundly disturbing video clip emerged online. In it, a young Nigerian, Miss Jennifer Elohor, a National Youth Service Corps member stationed in Anambra State, was subjected to an act so heinous and dehumanizing that it unsettled the conscience of all who viewed it.
“Here was a defenseless young woman—daughter, sister, and future mother—stripped of her dignity and assaulted by those whose very duty under Anambra State laws was to ensure her safety. Instead of acting as her protector, they turned into her oppressors.
“I compelled myself to watch the deeply troubling clip, and my heart ached, my spirit recoiled, and my eyes filled with tears. I pose the question: for what crime can such brutality ever be deemed acceptable? What conceivable offense could justify the naked humiliation of an unarmed young woman in her own Corpers’ Lodge an establishment that should serve as a sanctuary, not a scene of indignity? ”
This, without question, is not merely an ‘occurrence. ‘ It represents a national disgrace. It epitomizes the very essence of rampant lawlessness.
“The humiliating treatment of Miss Elohor is not solely a personal misfortune, but also a direct insult to the integrity of the national youth service initiative, a program designed to promote cohesion, service, and national identity. When those assigned to local security transform into predators, we are not simply facing an error in judgment; we are confronting the disintegration of public order.
“I am not against the formation of local vigilante groups; I have always endorsed and supported them. In fact, when appropriately organized, trained, and overseen, such entities can be vital to community policing and safety.
“However, I have consistently stressed that recruitment must be meticulous, profiling must be stringent, and training must be both professional and compassionate. What we observed in that footage was not the behavior of disciplined security personnel; it was the unrestrained brutality of criminal elements disguised as state authority.
“I have read, although not fully confirmed, that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has arrested and/or dismissed those responsible. If this is accurate, it is a commendable initial step. However, let it be clear that dismissal does not equate to justice. These individuals must face the full extent of the law. Anything less will embolden others. ”
According to him, the state government holds both a moral and legal obligation to support Elohor, noting that compensation alone is inadequate; she must receive access to comprehensive post-trauma counseling, rehabilitation, and medical care. No young woman should have to bear such scars, whether visible or hidden, in isolation.
“Moving forward, I strongly advise that Governor Soludo implements regular training and retraining programs for the Udo-ga-Achi security unit, ensuring they are not politicized or utilized as instruments of oppression. ”
“In addition, there is an urgent need to form a consortium of independent advisers, men and women of integrity, proven credibility, and reputable backgrounds, who will periodically audit, review, and guide the operations of local security groups in the state.
“Security is not merely the absence of violence and crime; it is the presence of trust, dignity, and justice. When those tasked with protecting us become agents of humiliation, the very foundation of our society trembles. As a nation, we must rise and declare: Never again,” the statement added.
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