The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has condemned the assault of a corps member by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Council, describing the incident as “unwarranted and unacceptable.”

Findings by the scheme revealed that the vigilantes stormed a corps lodge in Oba, accusing the occupants of engaging in illegal activities, an allegation that has not been substantiated.

During the operation, corps member Edema Elohor Jennifer (AN/24C/0626), who was visiting the lodge at the time, was physically assaulted. The NYSC, in a statement, said the matter had been reported to the police and investigations were ongoing. It stressed its commitment to the welfare and security of corps members and warned that it would not condone any action that undermines their safety.

“Management wishes to restate its strong commitment to the welfare and security of its corps members nationwide, and would not condone any individual or group of persons that undermines the security of her corps members for whatsoever reasons,” it said.

A viral video of the incident showed armed operatives storming the lodge, accusing corps members of being internet fraudsters despite their NYSC identification. Jennifer was beaten, her clothes torn, and she was left exposed while crying for help. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also condemned the assault, calling on Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to take personal responsibility for alleged human rights abuses by armed vigilantes in the state.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group described the treatment of the corps members as “evil maltreatment” and said the humiliation must be the last.

HURIWA also urged President Bola Tinubu to address killings and enforced disappearances in the South-East and suggested the creation of a disciplinary body similar to the Police Service Commission to oversee vigilante operations in Anambra.

Although the Anambra State Government confirmed that the operatives involved had been arrested and detained, HURIWA dismissed the move as “tokenism and propaganda” and challenged the governor to take responsibility for abuses committed by security outfits established under his administration.