PRESS RELEASE
August 21, 2025
CSOs JOINT STATEMENT: CIVIL SOCIETY CONDEMNS BRUTAL ASSAULT ON NYSC CORPS MEMBER IN ANAMBRA, DEMANDS PROSECUTION OF PERPETRATORS AND DISBANDMENT OF THE LAWLESS SECURITY OUTFIT
This joint statement is issued in solidarity by the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) and the Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), representing concerned Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) focused organisations in the South East.
We strongly condemn, in the strongest terms, the brutal and dehumanizing assault on Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who was viciously attacked by operatives of the Agunechemba (Udo ga Achi) vigilante group, a state-backed security outfit under the watch of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
On August 19, 2025, the victim, who was visiting the NYSC lodge in Oba, Idemili South, was subjected to inhuman treatment, physical assault, was cruelly laid bare and exposed to the harsh glare of public attention. Such barbaric conduct amounts to multiple criminal offences under Nigerian law, including assault, indecent exposure, and intentional infliction of emotional trauma.
Governor Soludo bears responsibility for recruiting and unleashing untrained rogue elements under the guise of community security. The operations of these vigilantes have reportedly degenerated into tools for extra-judicial enforcement and political witch-hunting, in flagrant violation of constitutional rights. This represents a grave dereliction of duty to safeguard the dignity and welfare of all Anambra citizens, as guaranteed under:
✓ Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution: Right to dignity and protection from inhuman treatment.
✓ Section 33: Right to life and freedom from torture or degrading treatment.
✓ Section 36: Right to fair hearing and due process.
While the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has invited the victim to the Government House, her response remains unremorseful and hollow, failing to address the central issue of justice and accountability. Sympathy without systemic reform or concrete redress is inadequate.
OUR URGENT DEMANDS:
1. Immediate Prosecution: Arrest, charge, and prosecute all operatives involved in the assault under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code. Mere dismissal is unacceptable.
2. Disbandment of Udo ga Achi Vigilante Outfit: This rogue operation must be dismantled to prevent further atrocities against citizens.
3. Justice and Compensation for the Victim: Provide legal redress, medical care, psychological support, and monetary compensation for the trauma inflicted on Miss Elohor.
4. Institutional Reforms:
✓ Conduct thorough vetting and professional training for any future community security arrangements.
✓ Establish independent oversight involving civil society and legal experts to monitor community security activities.
5. Public Accountability: Governor Soludo must issue a formal apology, accept responsibility, and commit to lawful reforms.
The barbaric treatment of Miss Jennifer Elohor is not an isolated incident but part of a dangerous pattern of state-enabled violence in Anambra. We insist that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The rule of law and the dignity of citizens cannot be compromised.
Justice for Jennifer Elohor is justice for all Nigerians.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
Executive Director, CEHRAWS
OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu
Executive Director, VIDI
On behalf of concerned SGBV-focused organisations in the South East
📧 cehraws@gmail.com | +234(0)803-552-9865
