The Anambra State Government has taken decisive action by dismissing eight vigilante operatives involved in the assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Edema Jennifer Elohor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. The announcement was made by Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, on Wednesday.
The state government has also covered the victim’s medical expenses, replaced her damaged belongings, and issued a public apology to both her family and the NYSC. Emeakayi emphasized that the operatives acted outside their authority while pursuing suspected cultists and will 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 stated, highlighting the need for reform in community security operations.
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, condemned the assault, branding it “barbaric, inhuman, and a disgrace to national service.” He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, insisting that no citizen should be subjected to such treatment, particularly a young woman in service to her country.
Dafinone urged NYSC authorities to implement measures to ensure the safety of corps members in Anambra, stressing the importance of maintaining parental trust.
As of now, attempts to confirm whether the dismissed operatives have been transferred to police custody have not received a response from the state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga.
The incident has prompted widespread calls for accountability and a review of community security practices in the state.
