The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed outrage over the brutal assault and humiliation of Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed outrage over the brutal assault and humiliation of Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, CHRICED described the incident—captured in a viral video showing Ms. Elohor stripped and degraded in public—as a gross violation of human dignity and a breach of Nigeria’s constitution and laws.
The Anambra State Police Command had, in a statement on August 19, confirmed the assault but claimed its investigation was hindered by the absence of the victim. CHRICED faulted this position, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have a duty to guarantee the safety and well-being of the victim so she can participate in the investigation without fear.
While noting that the Anambra State Government had dismissed eight vigilante operatives linked to the incident, CHRICED stressed that administrative sanctions alone are inadequate. “Those involved must be prosecuted under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and in line with Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of every citizen,” the group stated.
CHRICED further urged both the Federal and Anambra State Governments to strengthen oversight of vigilante groups, warning that community security must not come at the expense of human rights. It called for the disbandment of any security outfit found to be involved in systemic abuses.
To prevent similar violations, the organisation recommended mandatory human rights and civic education training for vigilante groups, in collaboration with civil society and relevant government agencies.
The group also highlighted the vulnerability of corps members across the country and demanded that the NYSC put in place stronger protection mechanisms to safeguard youths serving the nation.
“CHRICED stands in solidarity with Ms. Elohor and calls on civil society, human rights defenders, and the international community to ensure she receives legal, psychological, and financial support,” the statement read.
The group concluded by declaring that vigilante brutality must end, insisting that community security must be grounded in respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability.