…Army orders probe, vows sanctions if personnel found culpable
Daud Olatunji
The management of Osun State University has accused soldiers allegedly attached to the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo of invading off-campus student hostels, assaulting students, stripping female occupants and confiscating dozens of mobile phones during a late-night operation.
The university said the incident, which occurred on Monday night, affected more than 20 students and had been formally reported to the Army authorities, expressing hope that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adeboye, who visited the affected hostels on Tuesday, described the alleged invasion as disturbing and contrary to the security role expected of the military formation located near the institution.
“It is sad that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which we felt would give us security cover, could eventually release men that will subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience,” Adeboye said.
The university’s spokesperson, Ademola Adesoji, alleged that the soldiers assaulted both male and female students during the operation.
According to him, some female students reported being stripped and subjected to indecent touching, while several male students were also physically assaulted.
He said, “Over 20 students have already been identified as victims. Some female students said they were stripped by the soldiers and touched indecently. Some male students were also assaulted.”
Adesoji disclosed that two students sustained injuries serious enough to require medical treatment, adding that one had already been discharged from hospital.
He further alleged that the soldiers confiscated more than 60 electronic devices, including mobile phones, from the students during the raid.
According to him, five of the suspected soldiers were identified and presented at the university on Tuesday before they were returned to the Army Depot.
“The army division said they would be dismissed. The Vice-Chancellor has taken the matter up with the Army authorities. We cannot, however, confirm the alleged rape at this stage,” he added.
The university said it was engaging the military leadership to ensure justice for the affected students and appropriate disciplinary action against any personnel found culpable.
Reacting to the allegations, the Nigerian Army said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident following a petition by the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Army said the Commandant had directed a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The statement stressed that any personnel found guilty would face the full weight of military law.
“The Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable,” the statement read.
The Army also appealed to the NANS South-West Zone D Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, to provide witness statements and other evidence to aid the investigation.
It maintained that the alleged conduct did not reflect the values, discipline and professionalism of the Nigerian Army, adding that the Commandant had expressed readiness to meet with NANS leadership to address the matter.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency and maintaining high standards of discipline among its personnel as the investigation continues.
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