Army seeks evidence of alleged rape of UNIOSUN students by personnel

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigerian Army has called on any student who was sexually molested during recent alleged assault by its personnel on off campus hostels of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Osogbo to come forward with evidence of such misconduct.

The Nigerian Army said this while giving update on the ongoing investigation of recent assault on students of Osun State University by some of passed-out personnel of its Headquarters Depot, Osogbo in a statement on Friday.

Nigerian Army, in the statement signed by Major Ibrahim Yahaya, its Assistant Director of Public Relations for the Depot, specifically reacted to allegations that some of its personnel raped students during the assault.

The Army noted that Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adeboye made the allegation that the personnel raped some students, and the claim has been amplified on social media platforms.

However, it added that despite the claim, no student has come forward with allegation that she was raped by the soldiers.

Yahaya added that neither the University management nor any other witness has not come forward with evidence of such rape to the Army authorities probing the assault on the students.

“At this time, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or the University Management to substantiate the claim of rape by our personnel,” the Army said while appealing to victims of such rape to come forward with appropriate evidence.

“In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public. We therefore urge all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions. We therefore make a direct appeal to any alleged victim(s) of assault or sexual misconduct; and any eyewitness(es) with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical records, or statements.

“The Nigerian Army and by extension Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, remains fully committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct. The Board of Inquiry earlier constituted is ongoing and will leave no stone unturned. Any personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws. The Army remain professional and does not condone indiscipline.

“”You are kindly requested to come forward and present your evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. Your identity and safety will be protected in line with military and legal procedures. This is the only credible path to identifying and prosecuting the culprits if they exist,” the Depot said.

It however appealed to the Media, NANS, University Management and the general public to avoid the spread of unverified information which, according to it, may hinder the search for truth and can cause unnecessary panic among students and host communities.

“Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo reiterates its commitment to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students, and the upholding of human rights. We will continue to update the public as the investigation progresses”