The Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has ordered a full investigation into allegations that newly recruited soldiers invaded off-campus hostels of students at Osun State University, assaulted residents and carted away valuables.
The probe follows protests by the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebooye, management and hundreds of students, who blocked the Osogbo/Ikirun Road on Tuesday while demanding justice for the victims.
Students alleged that soldiers from the Army Depot stormed hostels around the Oke Baale area on Monday evening, assaulting residents, vandalising property and seizing more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. Some female students also alleged they were stripped naked and sexually assaulted, while male students and other residents wearing camouflage clothing were reportedly beaten.
Addressing the protesters, Adebooye described the incident as “barbaric” and “uncalled for.”
“We have reported the incident to the management of the Army Depot. It is sad that the Army Depot located close to our campus, which we believed would provide security for us, could have personnel who would subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience,” he said.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said more than 20 students had been identified as victims.
“The soldiers came from the Army Depot, Osogbo. They assaulted the students. Some female students alleged that they were stripped and touched inappropriately. Some male students were also assaulted. Two students were hospitalised, although one has since been discharged. More than 60 gadgets, including mobile phones, were seized and taken away,” he said.
Adesoji added that three of the alleged perpetrators had been identified and presented to the university, but noted, “We cannot confirm the allegation of rape at this stage.”
The protesters carried placards demanding justice, with messages including, “We came to learn, not to be raped,” “Our girls are not safe anymore,” and “The Nigerian Army is not above the law; expose the perpetrators.”
Adebooye said he visited the affected hostels and was shocked by the extent of the damage.
“I was moved to tears by what these military boys did to our students, especially the female students. It is inhumane for anyone in uniform to forcefully undress women and touch them inappropriately,” he said, adding that a soldier allegedly left behind his cap at the scene and that phones, money and other valuables were taken.
Responding to the allegations, the Nigerian Army, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Depot Nigerian Army, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, said the commandant had ordered a thorough investigation.
“The Depot wishes to reiterate that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable. No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault,” the statement said.
It added that, “The commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring any perpetrators to justice.”
