Osun NAWOJ calls for dismissal, prosecution of Army personnel in UNIOSUN saga

THE Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Nigerian Army recruits allegedly involved in the reported rape of female students of Osun State University, Osogbo.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, the association condemned the alleged incident, describing it as a serious case of sexual and gender-based violence.

NAWOJ called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to ensure that any recruits found culpable are summarily dismissed from military service in accordance with the regulations governing the conduct of personnel.

The association also demanded that the suspects be handed over to civil authorities for investigation and prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and other applicable legislation.

It urged the university, security agencies and relevant government ministries to provide medical, psychosocial and legal support for the alleged survivors while guaranteeing their safety and protection from intimidation.

Describing the alleged incident as barbaric, an abuse of power and a betrayal of the constitutional responsibility of the Armed Forces, the association said security personnel must be held to the highest standards of accountability.

“It is disheartening to note that men in uniform who ought to always protect us, women and children, are the ones perpetrating this dastardly act, particularly recruits who are just coming into the security system with such mindset. Such are dangerous to the society, the state and the country at large.

“No uniform shields a rapist from justice. The military must show zero tolerance by acting decisively. Silence or delay erodes public trust and emboldens perpetrators,” the statement said.

The association commended the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and the university management for their efforts in supporting the affected students, assessing the situation and involving relevant agencies.

NAWOJ also reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and working with security agencies, the Ministry of Women Affairs and civil society organisations to promote accountability and justice.

Meanwhile, Osun State University has formally reported an alleged attack on its students by soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo.

Voice Air Media gathered that soldiers allegedly invaded the halls of residence, assaulted students and made away with over 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets belonging to the students.