By Rita Daniels
Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents the Delta Central Senatorial District, has vehemently condemned the brutal assault on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Edema Jennifer Elohor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The senator described the incident as inhuman and barbaric, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dafinone expressed outrage over the actions of armed operatives from Operation Udo Ga-Achi, more commonly known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group. He remarked that these actions constituted a serious violation of Miss Elohor’s dignity and rights, as well as a direct affront to the principles of national service and unity.
The senator’s condemnation comes in response to a viral video that captured the shocking moment the vigilante group invaded the corps members’ lodge, attacking them despite their valid NYSC identification cards. This blatant disregard for the law and the rights of citizens has sparked widespread outrage.
“Miss Elohor was brutally beaten, stripped naked, left bleeding, and subjected to humiliating and sexually degrading threats,” Dafinone detailed. He emphasized that no Nigerian citizen, especially a young lady serving her country, should endure such dehumanizing treatment.
Dafinone further criticized the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, labeling their actions as an indictment of the organization. He underscored the urgent necessity to regulate the activities of untrained and unprofessional armed vigilante groups, which have increasingly turned to violence against law-abiding citizens.
In his statement, the senator demanded that those responsible for this heinous assault be identified, arrested, and prosecuted by the police. He asserted that failing to do so would only encourage further abuses of citizens’ rights under the guise of community security.
Additionally, Dafinone called on the Anambra State Government to take full responsibility for the situation. He urged the government to provide immediate and adequate compensation to Miss Edema Elohor for the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma she has suffered. “This is the least obligation owed to her after such a harrowing ordeal,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for the state to act decisively to restore Miss Elohor’s dignity and send a clear message that such lawlessness will not be tolerated. Furthermore, he urged the leadership of the NYSC to ensure the safety and protection of corps members serving in Anambra State throughout their service year.
“The trust of parents and guardians who send their children to serve this nation must not be betrayed through negligence or a failure to guarantee their well-being,” Dafinone added. He reiterated that young people should never be exposed to brutality while wearing the national uniform of service.
Concluding his statement, the senator asserted that as representatives of the people, there is a collective responsibility to uphold human rights and protect the most vulnerable. The attack on Jennifer Elohor, he said, is a critical test of the nation’s resolve against impunity. “Justice must be served swiftly, perpetrators punished, and reforms instituted to prevent a repeat of such shameful abuse in Nigeria,” Dafinone declared.
