Osun Varsity Students Protest Alleged Assault By Soldiers

Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo campus, yesterday staged a peaceful protest over alleged harassment by Nigerian Army recruits in Oke Baale area of Osogbo, the state capital.

Joined by their vice chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, the placard-carrying students blocked the Osogbo/Ibokun Road at Sasa, Oke Bale, in the state capital.

Some newly recruited soldiers were alleged to have invaded some privately-owned hostels at Oke Bale on Monday night and allegedly subjected some students, both male and female, to extortion, harassment, intimidation, assault and humiliation.

Meanwhile, the institution’s management, in a statement by the public relations officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that it received the reports of the alleged harassment with deep concern and profound displeasure.

Adesoji stated that the University strongly condemns every form of harassment, intimidation, assault or violation of the dignity and fundamental rights of its students, adding that members of the university community should not be subjected to any form of abuse under any circumstance.

However, 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.

Also, a statement by the Osogbo, Depo Nigerian Army’s public relations officer, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, reiterated that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation.

He added that any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable, adding, “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”.

He gave assurance that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law, adding that the Commandant is ready to meet with the management and student body.