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.
In a statement released early Wednesday, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the incident 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 scheme also disclosed that it had initiated administrative measures to provide both physiological and psychological support to the affected corps member, while reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and security of all corps members nationwide.
Meanwhile, the viral video of the incident has sparked widespread reactions. A former corps member who served in Onitsha North LGA between 2021 and 2022 shared his own encounters with vigilante operatives in the state, describing them as “naturally bittered and easily triggered.”
The ex-corper, identified simply as Unity from Delta State, recounted several tense confrontations despite always carrying his NYSC identity card.
“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 narrated.
He added that the operatives later became familiar with his face, often exchanging cold 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 since announced preliminary steps to address the incident as Nigerians continue to demand accountability from security operatives in the state.