Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, took to his official X account to condemn the shocking assault of NYSC member Edema Elohor Jennifer by a state vigilante group.
He described the attack as “inhumane, primitive, and a direct assault on our collective humanity,” adding that such brutality has “no place in 2025” and deeply saddened and ashamed him as an Anambrian.
“That young girl could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, or even mine. What happened is not only a violation of law and morality, but also a direct assault on our collective humanity,” Obi said.
He urged authorities to ensure the perpetrators are arrested, prosecuted, and punished, and called for stronger policies and community safeguards to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
“Our humanity must always come first. Without it, we are nothing but a people adrift in cruelty.”
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Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the assault, calling it a gross violation of dignity, rights, and the ideals of national service.
In an official statement, NANS noted that operatives forcibly entered the corps lodge under unverified claims, assaulting Jennifer despite her valid NYSC identification.
“This action is not only unjustified but deeply troubling. It represents a dangerous affront to the ideals of national service, rule of law, and human rights,” the association said.
They warned against the unchecked power of security outfits and urged the government to investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible to account.
“Corps Members must feel safe in their places of assignment and residence … Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
In the same vein, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) described the incident as “unwarranted and unacceptable,” confirming that operatives from the Anambra Vigilante Group stormed the lodge under suspicions of criminal activity, an accusation with no verified basis.
Among those assaulted was corps member Edema Elohor Jennifer (AN/24C/0626).
NYSC reported the matter to the police and stated that investigations are ongoing.
The scheme also reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of corps members and encouraged public support for their security.
On his her part, Dr. Nonye Soludo, First Lady of Anambra State and founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, described the assault as ugly and humiliating, deeply divergent from the state’s identity as hospitable and just.
She emphasized the importance of rules of engagement that prioritize dignity, civility, and respect, and called for measures to ensure such abuses are never repeated.
“There is no justification whatsoever for such an ugly and humiliating abuse … We must take critical measures to entrench justice and ensure that such scenes do not occur again. Anambra’s image is priceless. We must guard it jealously.”
