UNIOSUN Assault: Nigerian Army orders probe, vows punishment for affected personnel

The Nigerian Army Depot Command in Osogbo has ordered a comprehensive probe into allegations that some of its newly recruited personnel assaulted and robbed students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, following public outcry over the incident.

A statement by Major Yahaya Ibrahim, Army Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, appealed for calm and vowed to prove the allegations and sanction affected personnel.

The statement quoted the Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, as reiterating that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation.

“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,” it added.

“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.”

The Army also called on the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, to provide all available evidence and witness statements to support a comprehensive investigation.

The Depot Command maintained that the alleged actions do not reflect the standard of training and character development expected of recruits.

It assured the public that any personnel found guilty would face the full weight of military law.

The Commandant also expressed readiness to meet with the leadership of NANS to discuss the incident and agree on the way forward.

Also, the Management of Osun State University said it received a delegation from the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, who confirmed the attack on students of the University and promised to sanction affected personnel.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the University Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji on Tuesday.

Adesoji explained that the Army delegation visited the Vice-Chancellor, Clement Adeboye, 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,” the statement disclosed.

Meanwhile, UNIOSUN management has said it received with deep concern and profound displeasure reports of the alleged harassment of some of its students by a number of Nigerian Army recruits in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo.

The University strongly condemned every form of harassment, intimidation, assault or violation of the dignity and fundamental rights of its students.

“No member of the University community should be subjected to any form of abuse under any circumstance,” Adesoji said in the statement.

Following the disturbing reports, Adeboye was said to have paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected privately owned hostels at Oke Baale, Osogbo, to ascertain the situation firsthand and interact with the affected students.

“During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor inspected the reported damage to some hostel facilities, including broken windows and doors, and met with students who narrated their experiences.

“He expressed the University’s sympathy with those affected and reassured them that Management would pursue every legitimate avenue to ensure that justice is served.”

Addressing the students, Professor Adebooye assured them that the University stands firmly with them and will continue to engage all relevant authorities to ensure that any personal belongings reportedly taken from the students are recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

He also assured the students that the University would not relent until the matter is satisfactorily resolved.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the affected students to remain calm, law-abiding and confident that the University would vigorously protect their interests and welfare.

The management commended the prompt response and cooperation of the leadership of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, in addressing the unfortunate incident and giving assurances that those found culpable will be held accountable.

He said, “The University remains committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with all security agencies while insisting that such relationships must always be founded on mutual respect for the rights, dignity and safety of members of the University community.

“We wish to reassure parents, guardians, students and all stakeholders that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.