A recent incident involving the assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has drawn strong condemnation from human rights activists and legal experts.
Miss Jennifer Elohor, the victim, was subjected to a shocking and brutal attack, which saw her stripped naked in her Corpers’ Lodge—supposed to be a place of safety and rest for young Nigerians in their mandatory year of national service. The disturbing video of the incident quickly went viral, sending shockwaves across the nation and raising questions about the growing lawlessness and security lapses in parts of the country.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called the attack a national shame, describing the incident as a blatant disregard for the law and human dignity. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ejiofor condemned the assault as not only a personal tragedy for Elohor but also an affront to the principles of the NYSC scheme, which was established to promote unity and foster a sense of national service among Nigerian youths.
Ejiofor’s statement expressed his horror at the incident, stating, “What crime could justify the stripping naked of an unarmed young lady in her own Corpers’ Lodge? A sanctuary meant for her comfort, not a theatre of humiliation. This is excessive lawlessness.”
The attack, according to Ejiofor, was carried out by individuals whose roles were meant to protect, not torment. He described the culprits as “criminal rogues hiding under the cloak of state authority,” adding that the actions were far from the conduct of a professional security outfit.
The lawyer also expressed his support for the establishment of local vigilante groups, provided that they are properly structured, trained, and monitored to prevent the abuse of power. However, he emphasised that the security personnel involved in this incident showed no professionalism, only brutality.
Ejiofor welcomed reports that Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo had taken swift action by either arresting or dismissing the suspects. However, he stressed that dismissal alone would not suffice for such a grave violation. He called for the full weight of the law to be applied to ensure justice and to serve as a deterrent to others.
The lawyer further urged the state government to support Elohor in her recovery, recommending comprehensive post-trauma counseling, rehabilitation, and medical attention. He stated that the psychological scars from such an ordeal should not be carried alone by the victim.
Looking forward, Ejiofor proposed the establishment of routine training programs for local security outfits in Anambra, aiming to ensure they are not politicised or misused for oppressive purposes. Additionally, he called for the formation of a consortium of independent advisers to periodically review the activities of such security groups to guarantee accountability and professionalism.
The statement concluded with a strong message of national unity and justice: “Security is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of trust, dignity, and justice. We must rise and declare: Never again.”
