Anambra Vigilante brutality sparks outrage after corps member’s assault. Government sacks and arrests operatives, pledging justice and reforms

Anambra Vigilante operatives, also known as Agunechemba, have come under heavy criticism after brutalising a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elohor, at a lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

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The incident, which occurred on July 13, gained public attention after a viral video showed the female corps member being beaten despite her desperate cries for help.

The operatives, armed with guns, reportedly stormed the lodge, accused the corps members of being Internet fraudsters, and violently dragged them outside.

In an interview with media personality Aprokoking, Elohor recounted her ordeal. She said masked men armed with guns broke into their flat without identification, seized phones and laptops, and became increasingly violent when they tried to show their NYSC ID cards.

“They beat me, tore my clothes, and even hit one of my colleagues with an iron rod for pleading on my behalf,” Elohor said. “They forced me into their vehicle, pressing my neck, slapping me, and threatening to smash our phones.”

The harrowing incident has triggered widespread condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates, and lawmakers, all demanding justice and accountability.

Responding to the outrage, the Anambra State Government admitted lapses in the conduct of the vigilante group.

Special Adviser on Community Security and leader of Agunechemba, Ken Emeakayi, announced that the eight operatives involved had been identified, sacked, arrested, and detained.

Emeakayi tendered a public apology on behalf of the government, stressing that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration remains committed to justice and the rule of law.

“The administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo believes deeply in the rule of law and will never shield any operative who acts unlawfully,” Emeakayi said.

“We urge communities to continue giving feedback to help improve the outfit into a people-centred force where discipline, respect for human rights, and professionalism come first.”

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While the swift government action has been welcomed, many Nigerians are calling for broader reforms to ensure community security outfits uphold human rights and do not become threats to the very people they are meant to protect.