Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has said that the parents of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member recently assaulted in the state were initially reluctant to pursue prosecution against the perpetrators.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Soludo explained that the assault, which occurred on July 23, was immediately addressed by security operatives who arrested the culprits and provided medical attention to the victim.

The governor said some restitution was made, including compensation for damaged phones belonging to the victim and others.

“The briefing I got was that her phone was damaged. Some others’ phones were damaged in the process, and there was some restitution to that effect. She was taken care of medically, and those guys were apprehended, first suspended, and the investigation is ongoing,” Soludo said.

Soludo noted that the victim’s family had initially declined prosecution “for whatever private considerations” but later changed their stance.

He said he had received a letter from the state NYSC director on Tuesday, indicating the family’s readiness to proceed with the case.

Soludo condemned the assault, describing the video footage of the incident as “despicable and outrageous.” He stressed that no one deserved such treatment under any circumstances.

“I have four beautiful daughters, and I couldn’t imagine that happening to any of them. Whatever the crime, you arrest and prosecute, but nobody should be brutalized,” he said, adding that the state government would ensure due process of law.