NYSC Condemns Assault on Corps Member, Offers Psychological Support

 The National Youth Service Corps, on August 20, 2025, condemned the assault on corps member Jennifer Elobor by operatives of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi vigilante group in Anambra State’s Oba Community, Idemili South. 

A viral video showed the Agunechemba Vigilante Group beating and stripping Elobor, accusing her and others of fraud. NYSC, in a statement from Abuja, called the incident “unacceptable and dehumanising,” rejecting any justification for the operatives’ actions.

The Anambra State Government arrested the vigilantes on August 19, launching an investigation with Nigeria Police to uncover the incident’s details. NYSC pledged psychological support for Elobor to address the trauma, emphasizing its commitment to corps members’ safety. The Nigerian Bar Association demanded prosecution, praising Anambra’s swift arrests but urging diligent legal action to ensure justice. The incident has fueled outrage, with calls for stricter oversight of vigilante groups operating in local communities.

The assault highlights ongoing safety concerns for NYSC members, particularly in areas with active vigilante groups. Anambra’s government has vowed to strengthen security protocols, while NYSC supports the police probe to deliver justice. The case, drawing comparisons to past incidents, underscores the need for better coordination between vigilantes and authorities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on protecting corps members and addressing the broader issue of vigilante conduct in Nigeria’s communities.