The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group following the assault and public humiliation of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor.
This was announced on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, during a press briefing at the security agency’s headquarters in Awka.
According to Emeakayi, the dismissed operatives deviated from their lawful mandate when they attacked the corps member during a supposed pursuit of suspected cultists.
He described their actions as grossly unprofessional and unacceptable.
“Their conduct falls completely outside the authorized duties of the agency and is utterly condemnable,” he stated.
The Soludo-led administration responded promptly to public outcry and evidence of the assault, which showed the victim being beaten and stripped by armed members of the security outfit in Oba, Idemili South LGA.
Emeakayi confirmed that the dismissed officers will be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.
He emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of power by any security operative.
“The Soludo administration will not tolerate unprofessionalism, brutality, or any abuse of office,” he said.
“Any officer found guilty of misconduct will be dismissed and prosecuted immediately.”
In a move to support the assaulted corps member, the government has reportedly paid her medical bills, replaced her damaged personal items including a laptop and mobile phone and issued a formal apology to both her family and the NYSC leadership.
Despite initial efforts by the victim’s family and NYSC officials to quietly resolve the matter, the state government stood firm on a full investigation and public accountability, citing the need to uphold justice and set a precedent.
Emeakayi noted that the incident has triggered a wider reassessment of the Agunechemba security outfit and other community-based security structures.
“This marks a turning point in reforming community security. Our administration is committed to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of human rights,” he said.
