The Anambra State Government says the men who were captured on camera beating and stripping a female National Youth Service Corps member have been identified and taken into custody.
The incident, which sparked outrage after it went viral on social media, reportedly occurred in Ndikeli, Awka North Local Government Area, where local vigilante operatives were seen assaulting the corps member over yet-to-be-disclosed reasons.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Paul Nwosu, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo condemned the assault and immediately ordered the arrest of the perpetrators.
“His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was deeply outraged by the video. He directed security agencies to fish out every individual involved in this barbaric act,” Nwosu said in a statement.
He stressed that the Soludo administration would not tolerate any form of brutality or lawlessness by state or non-state actors.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly the NYSC, that justice will be served. The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added.
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Meanwhile, the NYSC Coordinator in Anambra State, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma, applauded the swift response of the state government, describing the action as a strong message that corps members must be protected.
“Corps members are serving the nation and must not be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment anywhere,” she said.
Citizens have continued to demand stiff penalties for the assailants while urging the Anambra State Government to ensure the safety of young Nigerians posted to the state for national service.
The state government reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and upholding the rule of law as investigations continue.