A disturbing video has emerged online showing a group of local vigilantes allegedly beating and stripping a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Anambra State, triggering national outrage and renewed debate over the limits of non-state security actors.
The footage, which quickly went viral, captures the young woman—who is believed to be serving in the state—being physically assaulted and publicly humiliated by members of a community vigilante group. Bystanders can be heard reacting in shock, with some voices urging restraint, while others reportedly stood by without intervening.
While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, early reports suggest the assault may have stemmed from a misunderstanding or alleged breach of community regulations. Local authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement, though the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed it is investigating the matter.
Human rights advocates, legal experts, and NYSC alumni have condemned the act, describing it as a gross violation of the victim’s dignity, bodily autonomy, and legal rights.
“This is a tragic reminder of the growing impunity among non-state security actors, particularly in communities where vigilante groups operate without adequate oversight,” said Nnenna Okafor, a legal analyst and gender rights advocate based in Enugu. “Regardless of what the corps member may or may not have done, there is absolutely no justification for such treatment.”
The NYSC headquarters in Abuja also expressed concern, noting that corps members, who are sent across Nigeria to foster unity and development, must be protected—not persecuted.
As investigations continue, civil society groups are calling for immediate arrests, prosecution of the perpetrators, and better regulation of vigilante operations nationwide. Many are also demanding psychological and legal support for the survivor, as well as public education campaigns to address the normalization of violence, especially against women.
The incident has again raised critical questions about community policing structures, gender-based violence, and the safety of youth corps members in rural and urban communities across the country.
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