Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo campus, were reportedly subjected to a harrowing ordeal on Monday night after newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel allegedly invaded student hostels and some communities like Igbonan, BCGA, Ago-Wande and Ayetoro assaulted male students and residents.
Our Correspondent gathered that the recruits, said to be from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, had earlier visited areas around the students’ community under the guise of relaxing at entertainment centres.
Witnesses alleged that some of the recruits harassed young men in the area and demanded money transfers into designated bank accounts.
The situation later escalated when the recruits allegedly stormed about 20 student hostels, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens hostels, and some brothels in Igbonan area where they reportedly unleashed violence on the occupants.
Some female students alleged that they were forced to strip and were sexually assaulted, while male students claimed they were beaten, with several alleging that their mobile phones and other valuables were stolen during the incident.
Reacting, the Management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) condemned the alleged harassment of some of its students by a number of Nigerian Army recruits in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo.
A statement released by the University Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji stated that the University strongly condemns every form of harassment, intimidation, assault or violation of the dignity and fundamental rights of its students. No member of the University community should be subjected to any form of abuse under any circumstance.
Following the disturbing reports, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has immediately paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected privately owned hostels at Oke-Baale, Osogbo, to ascertain the situation firsthand and interact with the affected students.
Addressing the students, Professor Adebooye assured them that the University stands firmly with them and will continue to engage all relevant authorities to ensure that any personal belongings reportedly taken from the students are recovered and returned to their rightful owners. He also assured the students that the University would not relent until the matter is satisfactorily resolved.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the affected students to remain calm, law-abiding and confident that the University would vigorously protect their interests and welfare.
Subsequently, a delegation from the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, visited the Vice-Chancellor to formally brief the University on the steps already taken in response to the incident. The delegation informed the Vice-Chancellor that the personnel alleged to have been involved had been identified and that appropriate disciplinary action, including their immediate dismissal from the ongoing recruitment exercise, would be taken in accordance with the military's disciplinary procedures.
The Management of Osun State University commends the prompt response and cooperation of the leadership of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, in addressing the unfortunate incident and giving assurances that those found culpable will be held accountable.
Meanwhile the Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has noted with concern the press release by the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS Southwest Zone D, regarding alleged misconduct by some army personnel.
In a statement issued and made available by Major YAHAYA IBRAHIM,Army Public Relations Officer, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, "The Depot wishes to reiterate that 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. No student or law – abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property.
"In line with military regulations and the values of the Nigerian Army, the Commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice. The NANS Southwest coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, is kindly requested to make available all evidence and witness statements to enable a thorough investigation into the incident.
"We therefore give our firm assurance that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law. The Commandant is ready to meet with the NANS leadership at the earliest convenience to agree on the way forward".
0 Comments