Soldiers Invade Osun University Hostels, Attack Students, Cart Away Several Gadgets

The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has condemned the alleged invasion of students’ hostels by military personnel from the Army Depot in Osogbo, accusing the soldiers of assaulting students, confiscating dozens of mobile phones and other gadgets, and subjecting some female students to indecent treatment.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night at hostels located around the university campus in Osogbo.

Speaking during an inspection of the affected hostels on Tuesday, the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Clement Adeboye, confirmed that the institution had formally reported the incident to the management of the Army Depot.

"We have reported to the management of the depot. It is sad that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which we felt would give us security cover, could eventually release men that will subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience,” Adeboye said.

The university's spokesperson, Ademola Adesoji, alleged that more than 20 students were directly affected during the operation, with several sustaining injuries.

According to him, some female students alleged that they were stripped and indecently touched by the soldiers, while male students were also physically assaulted.

"Over 20 have already been identified as the victims. We counted the affected students. The soldiers came from Osogbo Army Depot. They assaulted the students," Adesoji said.

"Some female students said they were stripped by the soldiers. They also said they were touched indecently. Some male students were also assaulted."

He disclosed that two students were hospitalised following the incident, although one had been discharged as of Tuesday morning.

Adesoji further alleged that the soldiers confiscated more than 60 gadgets, including mobile phones, from the students.

"Over 60 gadgets, including phones, were seized from the students. Five of the perpetrators were identified and brought to the campus this morning," he said.

"But they were later returned to the military base. The army division said they would be dismissed."

He added that while the university authorities had escalated the matter to the military hierarchy, the institution could not independently confirm allegations of rape made by some students.

"The VC has taken the matter up with the army authority. We can't confirm the alleged rape yet," he stated.

Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the alleged attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of brutality against students.

In a statement on Tuesday, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde alleged that Army recruits invaded the hostels, assaulted students, inflicted injuries on several victims and allegedly compelled some students to transfer money to them during the incident.

He said some of the injured students were receiving medical treatment, adding that the NANS Southwest Zonal Coordinator had already been deployed to Osogbo to assess the situation.

“Reports reaching us indicate that last night, Nigerian Army recruits in Osogbo allegedly invaded student hostels of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), assaulted several students, inflicted injuries on many, and reportedly forced some of the victims to transfer money to them. As of this moment, a number of the affected students are receiving treatment in the hospital," Babatunde said.

He added that he had directed student leaders and activists across the Southwest to mobilise in solidarity with the affected students and press for justice.

"The NANS Southwest Zonal Coordinator is already on the ground with the affected students, and I have directed all Aluta forces to immediately mobilize to Osogbo, Osun State, to stand in solidarity with our colleagues and ensure that justice is pursued," he stated.

Babatunde called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and demanded that all officers found culpable be prosecuted.

"This alleged act of brutality and injustice by personnel of the Nigerian Army is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We demand a thorough investigation, the identification of all those responsible, and that they be held accountable in accordance with the law," he said.

"Nigerian students deserve to live and study in a safe environment, free from intimidation, harassment, and violence. We will continue to stand firmly in defense of the rights, safety, and dignity of every Nigerian student."

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement on the allegations.