News Update
Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo campus, were subjected to a harrowing ordeal on Monday night after newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel allegedly invaded student hostels, assaulted male students and harassed female students.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebooye, disclosed that the matter had been referred to the military authorities after he visited some of the affected hostels to assess the situation and meet with students.
Adebooye said the institution was deeply concerned by the incident, noting that the proximity of the Army Depot to the university had always been viewed as an added layer of security for the campus community.
“We have reported to the management of the depot. 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,” the vice-chancellor said.
According to the university, preliminary findings showed that more than 20 students had been identified as victims of the alleged attack, while investigations into the incident were continuing.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said reports from affected students indicated that soldiers assaulted both male and female students during the operation and confiscated more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices.
“Some female students said they were stripped by the soldiers. They also said they touched them indecently. Some male students were also assaulted,” Adesoji said.
He further disclosed that two students required hospital treatment after the incident, although one had been discharged by Tuesday morning.
Adesoji added that three of the alleged perpetrators had been identified and brought to the university campus, while the university management continued discussions with the Nigerian Army over the allegations.
The university also received reports alleging that a female student was raped during the incident.
However, Adesoji said the claim had not been verified because no alleged victim had been identified.
“We can’t confirm the alleged rape yet,” he said, adding that the institution would continue to investigate all reported incidents.
This Online Newspaper gathered that soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, allegedly invaded the halls of residence and assaulted students. They were also said to have made away with over 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets belonging to the students.
Some female students were reportedly stripped naked and made to forcefully dance unclad by the rampaging soldiers, said to be part of the batch that had their passing-out parade last Saturday.