By Joy Yesufu
Operatives of Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Command have arrested a female student of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, in connection with a viral video showing the assault and humiliation of another young woman.
The footage, which surfaced on Sunday via a Facebook page known as Yentown, captured three young women repeatedly slapping and punching a victim identified as Nancy. The attackers accused her of having an affair with a male acquaintance believed to be their lover.
The victim was later stripped naked, while her braids were cut off with a sharp object.
Police sources confirmed that with the support of FUO security personnel, the prime suspect, identified as Kadi, a Social Work student, has been taken into custody. Efforts are underway to apprehend other accomplices.
The video has sparked outrage among gender-based violence (GBV) advocates, who condemned the brutality.
The Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence and the Do Foundation, in a joint statement signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, expressed shock and disappointment over the incident.
“This is not what we expect from young women who should be responsible and law-abiding citizens,” the statement read.
“It is sad and embarrassing that my own gender is trending on social media for such a shameful exhibition of violence and assault. This raises serious criminal issues, including assault occasioning harm, character assassination, threat to life, and cybercrime.”
The groups urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for the victim, while also calling on Nancy to fully cooperate with law enforcement.
