A legal representative for some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members allegedly assaulted by a local vigilante group in Anambra State has claimed the victims were offered cash in an attempt to keep them quiet.

The lawyer, Cyrus Onu, said that six corps members were given N10,000 each, while others received between N25,000 and N100,000 in what he described as an effort to suppress the matter.

In a widely circulated video on Tuesday, armed members of a security outfit in the state, known as “Operation Udo-ga-achi,” were seen physically assaulting several corps members.

The affected individuals were identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna Emmanuel, Anighoro Godspower, Amore Mordecai Feyisara, and Beauty Chimenum Wonodi. One of them, Jennifer, was stripped and beaten despite pleading for help.

The incident reportedly occurred in Oba, located in Idemili South Local Government Area, and has drawn widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and justice for the victims.

Onu, who said he had contacted the NYSC to request the immediate relocation of the corps members due to safety concerns, alleged that the payments were labelled as "compensation and transport fare" but were in fact meant to buy their silence.

He said, “The head of the vigilante unit in Oba offered them the money in the presence of the NYSC Local Government Inspector, who even helped to delete video evidence from their phones. Six were handed N10,000 each, one received N25,000 in cash and another N25,000 via transfer, while Jennifer was given N100,000 – all with the intention of keeping them from speaking out.

“They were told not to talk about the incident again or they would face consequences. The threats were subtle but clear.”

Onu also accused the state police command of attempting to ignore the case from the beginning.

“Right after the incident, the police were informed. Jennifer, the corps member who was assaulted, sent the video and full account to the Police Public Relations Officer. He acknowledged it and promised to respond but never followed up. It wasn’t until the matter became public that he reached out again,” Onu said.

He is also demanding a N1 billion compensation for the victims, citing violations of their fundamental rights, physical abuse, and psychological distress.

Responding to the allegations, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, denied any effort to suppress the case. According to him, the initial delay in investigation was due to Jennifer’s unavailability, but he assured that the matter is being taken seriously and that justice will be served.