Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) on Tuesday staged a protest over the alleged invasion of their hostels by newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel, accusing the recruits of harassing students and creating fear within the university community.
The aggrieved students blocked the busy Ibokun Road in Osogbo for several minutes, disrupting traffic as they demanded justice for victims of the alleged assault before officers of the Osun State Police Command intervened to restore normalcy.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Students’ Community Is Not a War Zone,” “Nigerian Army Personnel Should Stop Harassing Us,” “Our Girls Are Not Safe,” and “We Say No to Army Brutality,” the protesters called on the authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Addressing the demonstrators, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, condemned the alleged invasion and urged security authorities to ensure that those involved are brought to justice to deter future occurrences.
READ ALSO:FG moves to scrap JSS-SSS separation policy over rising school dropout rate
The protest drew the attention of the university management, with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, visiting the affected privately owned hostels in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo to assess the situation firsthand and interact with affected students.
During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor inspected damaged hostel facilities, including broken windows and doors, while listening to accounts from students who alleged that some of their belongings were stolen during the incident.
Adebooye expressed sympathy with the affected students and assured them that the university would pursue every legitimate avenue to ensure justice is served and that any stolen property is recovered.
He urged the students to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the institution would continue to protect their welfare and engage relevant authorities until the matter is resolved.
In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the management condemned every form of harassment, intimidation and assault against its students, stressing that no member of the university community should be subjected to abuse under any circumstance.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) condemned the alleged rape of female students during the incident, describing the alleged act as barbaric, a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of the constitutional duty of the Armed Forces to protect citizens.
Reacting to the development, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, announced a full investigation into the allegations.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Army said the alleged actions do not reflect its values and standards, adding that the Commandant had ordered an immediate investigation to establish the facts.
READ ALSO:Mixed reactions trail FG proposed petrol price control
The military disclosed that the personnel allegedly involved had been identified and assured that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the ongoing recruitment exercise and prosecution under military law.
The Army also appealed to the NANS Southwest Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, to provide evidence and witness statements to aid the investigation, while reiterating its commitment to professionalism and the protection of all citizens.
