The Nigerian Army has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault of University students by some of its personnel following allegations raised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of military law.
The assurance was contained in a statement released on Tuesday on the verified Facebook page of the Army and signed by the Army Public Relations Officer, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Osun State, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, in response to a press release issued by the student body.
“The Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has noted with concern the press release by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D, regarding alleged misconduct by some army personnel,” the statement read.
It added, “The Depot wishes to reiterate that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation.”
The Army stressed that any action by its personnel that contradicts its core mandate would not be tolerated.
“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 statement said.
“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,” it stated.
The Army also appealed to the NANS South-West leadership to cooperate by making available all relevant evidence to support investigation into the matter.
“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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and discipline, the Army said the allegations did not reflect the values instilled in its personnel during training.
“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,” the statement read.
It further assured that any officer or soldier found guilty after the investigation would be sanctioned accordingly.
“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 added.
LEADERSHIP recalls that newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army on Monday allegedly assaulted some students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), triggering a protest that led to the barricading of the popular Obokun Road in Osogbo, the State capital.
The protesting students, accompanied by Adeyemo, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Students are not safe,” “Our girls are not animals,” and “We demand justice,” among others.
The protesters marched from their hostels to the Shasha Market area before blocking the highway, disrupting vehicular movement in protest against the alleged assault by the soldiers.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Clement Adebooye, later joined the protest after addressing the affected students at their hostels.
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