The Anambra State Government has sacked 8 operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit over the brutal assault and public stripping of a female corps member, Miss Jennifer Elobor.
The state government recently revealed that it acted as soon as it received reports of the incident.
Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, said that the operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
He stated that the sacked officers were pursuing suspected cultists when they attacked the corps member, stressing that their action was completely outside of the mandate of the agency.
“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,” he said.
Despite pleas from Miss Jennifer Elobor’s family and officials of the National Youth Service Corps for a silent resolution, the state government insisted on a complete investigation and accountability to prevent a recurrence.
He disclosed that the government has already paid the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables, including a laptop and phone, and tendered a public apology to her family, NYSC and Nigerians.
Ken Emeakayi concluded by saying that the incident would help to reform the outfit and restore public confidence in community security operations.
“This government is committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in all security engagements,” he added.
When contacted for confirmation on whether the operatives had been handed over to the police, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, failed to respond to his phone calls or SMSes.
