Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has publicly condemned the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo for its perceived lack of sensitivity toward students who were reportedly assaulted by military personnel. The dispute stems from an incident at the Oke-Baale student community, where new army recruits were accused of harassing and attacking students.
Major Ibrahim Yahaya, speaking for the Army, stated that an internal Board of Inquiry is actively investigating the claims. However, he noted that the military has yet to receive formal complaints, medical documentation, or concrete proof regarding the alleged rape cases reported by UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye. The Army urged witnesses and victims to come forward directly to the military, guaranteeing confidentiality and safety during the process.
UNIOSUN, through spokesperson Adesoji Ademola, countered that requiring traumatized students to testify directly before the military is insensitive. The university argued that such a demand ignores the psychological impact, fear, and intimidation experienced by victims. Furthermore, the university rejected any pressure to reveal the identities of affected students, emphasizing its commitment to protecting student privacy and welfare.
The university also took issue with the Army labeling the Vice-Chancellor’s statements as misleading, asserting that the administration acted out of a moral obligation to protect its student body. In response to the ongoing situation, UNIOSUN has engaged legal counsel to initiate proceedings aimed at defending the university’s integrity and the rights of its students.
