Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Special Adviser to former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for symbolic punishment for the security operatives involved in the brutal assault and public humiliation of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ms. Jennifer Elobor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
Bellnews reported on Tuesday that Elobor was beaten and stripped naked by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group.
The assault, which was captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Obienyem argued that such a measure is necessary to deter future abuses.
Rights Groups Condemn Brutal Assault, Stripping Of Female NYSC Member In Anambra, Demand Prosecution Of Perpetrators
Rights Groups Condemn Brutal Assault, Stripping Of Female NYSC Member In Anambra, Demand Prosecution Of Perpetrators
He maintained that the vigilante operatives should be given the same treatment – “stripping them naked” in a public square.
“I therefore suggest that all those who took part in stripping the Anambra corps members naked should themselves be stripped naked and paraded for three hours at Ekwueme Square before the eyes of the public. Nothing else will so quickly put an end to this madness,” Obienyem said.
Citing examples from ancient Greek history, Obienyem argued that public shaming, though harsh, sometimes restores sanity faster than endless appeals to conscience.
“When moral decay assumes epidemic proportions, extraordinary remedies may be necessary. Public shaming, though harsh, sometimes restores sanity faster than endless appeals to conscience,” he said.
Bellnews earlier reported that the vigilante operatives stormed the corps members’ lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, accusing Elohor and her colleagues of being internet fraudsters despite their presentation of valid NYSC identification cards and uniforms.
The video captured the security operatives violently beating Elohor, tearing her clothes, and stripping her naked as she cried for help, while her colleagues and other eyewitnesses pleaded for the assault to stop
The incident has raised broader concerns about the role of vigilante groups in southeastern Nigeria, with civil society organisations urging authorities to act decisively to curb impunity.