NYSC Condemns Assault on Female Corps Member by Vigilante Operatives in Anambra

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strongly condemned the assault of a female Corps Member by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement released early Wednesday, the scheme’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the attack as “unacceptable and dehumanising,” stressing that no justification could warrant such treatment of a Corps Member.

“Management wishes to assure the general public that it believes in, and supports the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force towards unravelling what transpired. This we trust will help get justice for the Corps Member in question and any other aggrieved party,” the statement read.

The NYSC also disclosed that it is taking administrative steps to provide both physiological and psychological support to the affected Corps Member, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and security of all Corps Members nationwide.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing the assault. In reaction, a former Corps Member who served in Onitsha North LGA between 2021 and 2022 shared his own troubling experiences with vigilante operatives in the state.

Identified only as Unity, from Delta State, the ex-Corper recounted frequent encounters with the group:

“There was nowhere I went without my Corper cap and ID, but you see those vigilante, nothing concern them if you be Corper or not. They still almost used am for me on several occasions, but my stubbornness nor allow them, and most times I outsmarted them.”

He added that after repeated encounters, the operatives eventually became familiar with him and would exchange tense glances whenever they crossed paths.

Expressing solidarity with the assaulted Corps Member, he said:

“I pray and hope our Delta sister gets justice. I stand with her. Justice for Elohor.”

The Anambra State Government has announced initial steps to address the incident, while public pressure mounts for greater accountability from security operatives in the state.