Tension has gripped the Osun State University, Osogbo, after soldiers reportedly invaded students’ hostels, assaulted residents, and confiscated dozens of mobile phones and other valuables in an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Monday evening when a group of soldiers believed to be from the Army Depot in Osogbo allegedly stormed several student hostels located off campus. Eyewitnesses claimed the soldiers physically assaulted male students while also harassing female students during the operation. More than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices were reportedly taken away by the personnel.
Some female students alleged that they were stripped and subjected to degrading treatment, while there were also claims that one student was sexually assaulted. However, university authorities stated that the allegation of rape had not been independently verified as investigations were still ongoing...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, visited the affected hostels on Tuesday to assess the situation and sympathise with the victims. He described the incident as deeply disturbing, noting the irony that a military formation located close to the institution, which was expected to provide security, had become the source of fear for students.
The university management confirmed that the matter had been formally reported to the leadership of the Army Depot for immediate action. The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, disclosed that more than 20 students had already been identified as victims of the attack, with two requiring hospital treatment. One of the injured students has since been discharged.
Adesoji also revealed that three of the suspected soldiers had been identified and brought to the university campus as part of ongoing efforts to investigate the incident and establish accountability. He reiterated that while allegations of indecent assault had been reported by several female students, the claim of rape was yet to be confirmed.
As investigations continue, students and members of the public have called for a thorough probe into the incident, demanding justice for the victims and appropriate disciplinary action against anyone found culpable. The shocking development has once again raised concerns about student safety and the conduct of security personnel operating around higher institutions in Nigeria.
