Human rights group condemns assault on Corps member in Anambra, demands probe

Stayalert Human Rights Awareness Initiative, a frontline non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the “evil and barbaric” assault on male and female NYSC corps members by vigilante operatives in Anambra State.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday, the Executive Director of the organisation, Hon. Larry Onah, described the incident as deeply disturbing, stressing that young Nigerians serving their fatherland were subjected to physical abuse, their clothes torn, and publicly humiliated.

He noted that the assault was shamelessly recorded and circulated on social media, further compounding the indignity suffered by the corps members.

According to him, such actions are not only degrading and inhumane but also constitute a clear violation of the rights and dignity of citizens as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights conventions.

Hon. Onah further stated that the brazen display of crude power by the vigilante operatives portrays Anambra State as lawless and ungovernable.

“We wonder why a vigilante group would usurp the powers of the EFCC and the police in order to dehumanise citizens. The actions of these vigilantes have damaged Nigeria’s reputation before the international community and exposed the atrocities such groups have committed against innocent citizens,” he said.

He expressed disappointment at the silence and inaction of the Anambra State Government, noting that, to date, the authorities have failed to take decisive action against those responsible for the criminal and shameful act.

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The group demanded the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of all vigilante members involved. It also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to disband vigilante units in Anambra and across Nigeria that have outlived their usefulness and now operate with impunity.

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