By From Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi
The campaign organization of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has condemned the alleged assault of member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by operatives of the local security outfit, Udo Ga Achi, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by Dr. Kingsley Ezekwelu, Chief of Staff to Prince Ukachukwu, the Ikukuoma Wind of Glory Campaign Organization described the incident as “unfortunate and condemnable.”
According to the group, a viral video showed heavily armed operatives assaulting corps members, inflicting injuries on them, and allegedly stripping a female corps member under threat of rape.
The organization recalled that during the August 16 Anambra South senatorial by-election, journalists covering the exercise in Osumenyi, Nnewi South LGA, were arrested by operatives of another local security outfit, Agunechemba, before Ukachukwu intervened to secure their release.
“These incidents are not isolated cases but part of the intimidation, harassment, and outright lawlessness that Agunechemba and Udo Ga Achi operatives have personified since their creation,” the statement read.
The campaign organization accused Governor Charles Soludo of using the outfits as political tools, alleging that they operate underground cells and violate standard security practices.
“It is an aberration to assume that a suspect is guilty even before being found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. That is the standard security practice all over the world, and Anambra State cannot be an exception,” the statement added.
The group also dismissed reactions from the state government and plans by the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, to host the assaulted corps member as “crocodile tears.”
“We appreciate men of goodwill, courageous religious leaders, and organizations who have condemned the atrocious activities of Prof. Charles Soludo’s private army. Certainly, a new dawn must break for Anambra, our dearly beloved State,” the campaign group added.
