The management of Osun University (UNIOSUN) has condemned the alleged harassment of some of its students by soldiers in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo.
The condemnation is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji.
The university described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that it strongly condemns all forms of harassment, intimidation, assault or violation of the dignity and fundamental rights of its students.
It added that no member of the university community should be subjected to any form of abuse under any circumstance.
According to the statement, following reports of the incident, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected privately owned hostels in the area to ascertain the situation and interact with the students.
During the visit, Adebooye inspected reported damage to hostel facilities, including broken windows and doors, and met with students who recounted their experiences.
He expressed the university’s sympathy with those affected and assured them that the management would pursue all legitimate avenues to ensure justice is served.
It was learnt that soldiers from the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, allegedly invaded students’ hostels and assaulted occupants.
Sources said the soldiers also seized more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices belonging to the students.
Some female students were reportedly stripped and forced to dance unclad during the incident, which occurred on Monday evening. The soldiers were said to be among a batch that recently completed their passing-out parade.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, said the alleged actions of its personnel do not reflect the training and character standards of its recruits.
In a statement issued by the Army Public Relations Officer of the depot, Yahay Ibrahim, the Army said it is committed to protecting all citizens, particularly the youth.
The statement noted that the Commandant of the depot has ordered an investigation to establish the facts and ensure that any personnel found culpable are brought to justice.
“The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, remains committed to ensuring that its personnel are held to the highest standards at all times.
“We, therefore, assure the public that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law,” the statement said.
The Army also urged the South-West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Adeyemo Kayode, to provide relevant evidence and witness accounts to aid the investigation.
It added that the Commandant is willing to meet with NANS leadership at the earliest convenience to determine the way forward.
