By Abubakar Yunusa
The Legal Assistance and Citizens Rights Initiative (LACRI) has strongly condemned the violent assault on Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State.
Elohor was reportedly attacked by the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, who allegedly stripped her naked, beat her, and left her bloodied.
The vigilante outfit is said to be operating under the authority of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, LACRI’s Executive Director, Martin Atojoko, described the attack as “barbaric, inhumane, and degrading.”
He demanded an immediate investigation into the incident and called for the prosecution of those responsible, regardless of their political connections or positions.
Atojoko also insisted on a public apology and compensation for the young corps member.
“This assault is a gross violation of her fundamental human rights as guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
LACRI warned that silence or delay by authorities would embolden vigilante groups to commit further abuses across the state.
The organisation urged Governor Soludo, the Inspector General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, and the NYSC Directorate to act decisively.
“Urgent reforms or outright disbandment of vigilante groups operating outside the rule of law must be prioritised,” the group added.
