Army orders probe of alleged assault of Osun varsity students

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigerian Army has ordered investigation into claim that some of its newly recruited personnel from Osogbo Depot attacked and assaulted students of Osun State University, Osogbo campus, on Monday night.

Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the spokesperson of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, said this in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to a press release by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D on the alleged misconduct by the army personnel.

“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,” Ibarahi said in the statement.

The Army also requested NANS Southwest coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode to make available all evidence and witness statements of the incident available to enable a thorough investigation into the incident.

“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.

“The Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo remains committed to ensuring that its personnel are held to the highest standards at all times. The alleged actions of the personnel do not reflect the training and character development of recruits at the Depot. 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,” the statement indicated.

Students of Osun State University, Osogbo campus alleged that they were attacked by newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army on Monday night, with several students reportedly assaulted and robbed.

Reports had indicated that Army recruits who recently graduated from the Nigerian Army Depot harassed young men in the area, demanded money transfers and later moved into students’ hostels.

The Army recruits allegedly invaded about 20 hostels, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens, where they allegedly assaulted male students, molested female students and carted away phones and other valuables.

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, described the incident as disturbing and condemned the alleged actions of the soldiers.

He also urged military authorities to ensure that those responsible for the assault on the students are identified and held accountable.

The Zone D Coordinator of NANS had also urged President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.