The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses deep outrage over the brutal and degrading assault on Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State.
This reprehensible act—captured in a viral video showing the public stripping and humiliation of Ms. Elohor—constitutes a flagrant violation of her dignity and a gross breach of Nigeria’s laws. It is a chilling reminder of the unchecked powers often wielded by non-state security actors, and the systemic failures that enable such abuse.
The Anambra State Police Command, in its statement of August 19, 2025, confirmed the assault but cited the victim’s absence as a hindrance to its investigation. CHRICED rejects this excuse. The onus is on the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police to guarantee Ms. Elohor’s safety and psychological well-being, ensuring she can participate in the investigation and prosecution process without fear of reprisal.
The dismissal of eight vigilante operatives by the Anambra State Government, while necessary, is insufficient. Accountability must go beyond administrative sanctions. These individuals must face criminal prosecution under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, which unequivocally prohibits torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment under any circumstances. Their actions also violate Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
CHRICED calls for the immediate prosecution of all perpetrators and demands that the Federal and Anambra State Governments establish stringent oversight mechanisms for vigilante groups. Community security must never come at the expense of human dignity. Any group found to be involved in systemic abuse should be disbanded, and its members held accountable under the law.
To prevent future violations, CHRICED recommends the implementation of mandatory human rights and civic education programs for all community security outfits, in collaboration with civil society organizations and relevant government agencies.
This incident also exposes the vulnerability of corps members nationwide. The NYSC must urgently develop and enforce robust protection protocols to safeguard young Nigerians during their year of national service.
CHRICED stands in unwavering solidarity with Ms. Elohor and calls on civil society organizations, human rights defenders, the international community, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure she receives comprehensive legal, psychological, and financial support.
Vigilante brutality must end. Community security must be anchored in respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. Anything less is a betrayal of our national values.
Signed
Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim
Executive Director, CHRICED
