By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Anambra State Police Command and the wife of the Governorof Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, have condemned the assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, which went viral on social media.
A viral video which had been circulating on social media showing the assault on the corps member, which was reportedly carried out by vigilante operatives who beat and stripped her naked. The operatives were said to have invaded the corps members Lodge in search of internet fraudsters.
The video has generated heated debates on social media, with many people condemning the attack.
In reaction to this, the Anambra State police command, which joined in the condemnation of the act, said it had also identified the suspects, assuring that a detailed investigation would be carried out.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release, said: ‘Following the incident, the suspects involved have been identified. The Command, however, notes that the alleged victim’s unavailability has temporarily stalled the ongoing investigative process.
‘The Command has reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian Law and reserves the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim.’
The Command cautioned vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct would not be condoned.
It reassured corps members serving across the state of the Command’s unwavering commitment to their protection, urging them to always report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention.
Meanwhile the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has also condemned the stripping and beating of the said lady.
Mrs Soludo described it as a disturbing sight, calling for investigation to ensure that those involved were brought to book.
Mrs Nonye Soludo’s press release stated: ‘I’ve seen a viral video of the sad incident reported to have happened in Oba, Idemili South LGA, involving men of Agunechemba security formation and a female corps member who is serving in Anambra State.
‘There’s no justification whatsoever for such an ugly and humiliating abuse. Such demeaning approach to law and order does not in any manner reflect our celebrated identity as a hospitable and peaceful people. It does not represent the humane philosophy of our administration, either.
‘There are always rules of engagement in such situations, and they must prioritize dignity, civility, and respect. I find the Oba incident very disturbing and appeal to appropriate authorities that are already looking into it to take critical measures to not only entrench justice but to, most importantly, ensure that we do not see such worrisome scene ever again.
‘Anambra’s image is priceless. We must guard it jealously,’ she said.
Meanwhile, police authorities in the state said the operatives involved had been arrested, but the victim had not yet been traced.
