…governor Soludo explained that his administration promptly intervened once the assault came to light.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has condemned in strong terms the assault on a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by security operatives in the state, describing the incident as “despicable and outrageous.”
The incident, which occurred on July 23 in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, sparked widespread anger after video footage showed the corps member being assaulted and stripped naked by members of a local security outfit. The disturbing video triggered an outpour of condemnation from Nigerians, civil society groups, and political leaders who demanded justice for the victim.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Governor Soludo explained that his administration promptly intervened once the assault came to light. He revealed that the culprits were swiftly apprehended and suspended from their duties pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
“The briefing I got was that her phone was damaged. Some others’ phones were damaged in the process, and there was some restitution to that effect,” the Governor stated. “She was taken care of medically, and those guys were apprehended, first suspended, and the investigation is ongoing.”
According to Soludo, the state government did not stop at just providing medical attention to the victim but also ensured restitution was made for damaged property. He disclosed that the victim’s phone, along with others belonging to different individuals affected during the incident, were replaced or compensated for.
Soludo also noted that the victim’s family initially declined to pursue prosecution for “private considerations.” However, he revealed that the family later reversed their decision. On Tuesday, he received a letter from the State NYSC Director informing him of the family’s readiness to proceed with legal action.
“I have four beautiful daughters, and I couldn’t imagine that happening to any of them,” Soludo said emotionally. “Whatever the crime, you arrest and prosecute, but nobody should be brutalized. The state government will ensure due process of law is followed in this matter.”
His remarks come amid sustained outrage from Nigerians across various sectors. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the attack, warning against the violation of human rights by security agents. Similarly, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, described the assault as “a barbaric and shameful act,” demanding accountability and justice for the victim.
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Joy Ezeilo, also joined her voice to the calls for justice. She insisted that incidents of abuse by security operatives must be addressed decisively to prevent recurrence, stressing that no Nigerian citizen should be subjected to degrading treatment.
Civil society organizations and youth groups across the country have also expressed anger, calling on the Anambra State Government to make an example out of the perpetrators. Many argue that the credibility of community-based security outfits depends largely on their adherence to the law and respect for human rights.
Governor Soludo, while acknowledging the criticisms, reassured the public that his government would not condone acts of brutality under any guise. He maintained that the state remains committed to security sector reforms that prioritize discipline, professionalism, and respect for the rights of citizens.
“This government is determined to protect the dignity of every Ndi Anambra and every Nigerian in our state. Our security operatives have been repeatedly warned that misconduct will not be tolerated, and anyone found guilty will face the full wrath of the law,” he affirmed.
Soludo assurance is seen as an attempt to rebuild public confidence in the state’s security architecture, which has faced scrutiny following the viral video.
As investigations continue, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the case unfolds. Many insist that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, in order to send a strong message that the abuse of power and rights violations will not go unpunished in Anambra State.
With the involvement of the victim’s family, the NYSC authorities, and human rights groups, legal proceedings are expected to commence soon. For now, the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation and the next steps in ensuring that the young corps member, whose ordeal has shocked the country, receives justice.
