Anambra govt fires vigilantes following assault on corps member, mandates prosecution

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Anambra State Government has terminated the employment of eight members of the Agunechemba Security outfit due to the violent assault and public humiliation of a female corps member, Jennifer Elobor.

Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, made the announcement at the agency’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.

Emeakayi indicated that the government took immediate action upon learning of the incident, stating that the operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

He noted that the dismissed operatives were chasing suspected cultists on Tuesday when they attacked the corps member, characterising their actions as “completely beyond the agency’s mandate and entirely unacceptable.”

He said, “The Soludo administration will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism, brutality or abuse of office by security operatives. Any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution.”

Despite pleas from the victim’s family and officials of the National Youth Service Corps for a quiet resolution, the state government insisted on a full investigation and accountability to serve as a deterrent.

Emeakayi added that the government had already settled the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables, including a laptop and phone, and tendered a public apology to her family, NYSC and the general public.

He noted that the incident would serve as a turning point in reforming the outfit and restoring public confidence in community security operations.

“This government is committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in all security engagements,” he underlined.