There is mounting outrage in Anambra State over the alleged abduction and assault of a female member of the National Youth Service Corps by a local vigilante group, prompting calls for Governor Charles Soludo to act swiftly and decisively.
A video of the incident which has been widely shared online, shows several men dressed in fatigues, brutalising a young lady as she shouts for help.
The men are seen ripping off the young lady’s clothes.
Whilst it is unclear what the young, as yet unidentified lady did to warrant such treatment,
community leaders, civil society activists, and youth organizations are demanding a full-scale investigation and accountability.
Meanwhile the Management of the National Youth Service Corps, in a statement, says it is saddened by the unfortunate assault on one of its female Corps Member by some operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State.
The NYSC describes the incident as unacceptable and dehumanising.
A statement from Anambra state government Reads:
Anambra Government Condemns Attack On NYSC Member, Assures of Justice
The Anambra State Government is appalled by the disturbing video being circulated online showing some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) being assaulted and harassed by members of Operation Udo Ga-Achi in Obá, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
We strongly condemn this act of violence and harassment on these young Nigerians, who are serving their country with dedication and patriotism.
The government maintains that the Anambra security outfits, Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi, were a child of necessity established by the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 to maintain law and order, not to perpetrate violence and intimidation; the government equally notes that the two security outfits have commendably maintained law and order in the state since their introduction on January 18, 2025. Therefore, any form of assault perpetrated by any member of the security outfits is outside their code of conduct, and all those involved, particularly in the incident under reference, will face the full weight of the law.
The government wishes to reassure members of the public, particularly Youth Corps members in Anambra for their national service, that they have nothing to fear from the State’s security outfits – Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi – and should go about their lawful activities without fear.
The government wishes to appreciate the steps taken by the police and Operation Udo Ga-Achi so far by arresting those involved in the assault and urges the victims to cooperate with the police and the leadership of Operation Udo Ga-Achi to ensure speedy dispensation of justice on the matter.
Law Mefor, PhD
Commissioner for Information
August 19, 2025.
