A viral video has thrown Anambra State into the eye of a storm. It depicts a female corps member, Jennifer Edema Elohor, stripped and beaten by men alleged to be members of the now becoming notorious Agunechemba Vigilante Group, operating under Operation Udo Ga-Achi.
The armed men stormed a lodge housing corps members. Eyewitnesses said they accused the young graduates of being internet fraudsters despite their NYSC identification cards.
The attack left Jennifer pleading for mercy as her clothes were torn, while her colleagues looked on in fear.
The disturbing video was shared by Haven360 Foundation on Facebook. Within hours, it spread across social media, igniting outrage from Nigerians at home and abroad.
Nigerians React in Anger
Reactions were swift and bitter. Residents of Anambra, a state of commerce and industry, known for its hospitality to strangers, quickly condemned the act. Many described it as barbaric, a shameful betrayal of trust by those meant to protect citizens.
BRGIE, a civic advocacy group, issued a strongly worded statement: “We strongly condemn the disgraceful assault on an innocent NYSC lady by armed guards. Such brutality against our youth is unacceptable and erodes trust in leadership. We demand justice, accountability, and an apology.”
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has faced repeated scrutiny over the safety of its members, who are posted across Nigeria to serve in schools, hospitals, and government offices.
In 2011, several corps members lost their lives in post-election violence in Northern states. More recently, insecurity in the North East has forced the agency to consider relocating orientation camps or deploying tighter security.
For parents and guardians, this latest attack raises a painful question: are our children safe during service?
State Government Moves Into Action
The Anambra State Government confirmed the arrest of the vigilante operatives involved. Speaking to journalists, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, admitted the act was indefensible.
“While they were acting within the law, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable. Immediately the incident was reported, we moved swiftly to arrest the operatives and initiate disciplinary measures,” he said.
Emeakayi explained that the assault took place during Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a joint task force involving the police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the Agunechemba security outfit.
According to him, the operatives were pursuing suspected cultists on motorcycles before they forced entry into the compound where corps members were lodged.
He stressed that the corps member, alongside NYSC officials, had been invited to give her account of the incident.
“Our conclusion is that while the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, the manner in which they acted was not acceptable. Disciplinary measures are underway,” he added.
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding corps members, noting that the Agunechemba security outfit is recognised under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, but must operate within human rights standards.
The Bigger Picture: NYSC and Safety Concerns
The NYSC scheme, launched in 1973, was designed to promote unity by deploying graduates across different parts of Nigeria. Over the years, however, the safety of corps members has remained a burning issue.
Insecurity, poor welfare, and cases of abuse by local authorities have cast shadows over the programme’s original vision. Many corps members, particularly those deployed to volatile areas, live under constant fear, or in some cases, reject the deployment.
This latest assault has revived calls for reforms in the scheme. Some are pushing for corps members to serve only in their states of origin or for the scheme to be reviewed or scrapped entirely.
Others argue that without better security guarantees, NYSC risks losing public trust.
What do you think? Has the NYSC outlived its usefulness, or is it daily fulfilling its mission and purpose? State your views.
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