…Demands Immediate Investigation into the Incident
The Legal Assistance and Citizens Rights Initiative (LACRI) has strongly condemned the barbaric, inhumane, and degrading treatment meted out to Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Anambra State.
Miss Elohor was violently beaten, stripped naked, and left bloodied by members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group reportedly operating under the authority of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
LACRI expressed its condemnation in a statement signed by Martin Atojoko, Esq Executive Director, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the group, the viral video capturing this heart-wrenching assault is not only an embarrassment to Anambra State but also a shameful stain on Nigeria’s democracy, where jungle justice is carried out against the weak while the powerful political elite, who plunder the nation’s wealth daily, are shielded from accountability.
“It is unacceptable that in a country where leaders loot billions without consequence, a young woman who dedicated herself to national service can be subjected to such humiliation under the guise of fighting crime.
“This act represents a grave violation of her fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, Atojoko said.
LACRI however demanded for the followings;
1, Immediate investigation into the actions of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.
2, Public apology and compensation to Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor.
3, Prosecution of those responsible for this assault, regardless of their position or political cover.
4, Urgent reform or disbandment of vigilante groups operating outside the rule of law in Anambra State.
The Legal Rights Initiative called on Governor Charles Soludo, the Inspector General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the NYSC Directorate to act swiftly and decisively, stressing that silence or delay will only embolden further abuse and lawlessness.
“Also we call on the police to not expect a traumatized lady to come meet them but rather for them to find the lady and take her account as she may be in the hospital bed or may have ran to her parents to find succor
“We stand in solidarity with Jennifer Edema Elohor and all Nigerians who continue to face injustice, abuse, and oppression. Jungle justice must never be tolerated in a society that claims to uphold democracy and the rule of law”, LACRI concluded.