Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has officially reported an alleged attack on its students by soldiers from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo.
The university said the incident happened on Monday evening when soldiers allegedly entered several student hostels and assaulted students. The soldiers involved were said to be among those who recently completed their training at the Army Depot.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adebooye, said the matter had been reported to military authorities. He explained that the Army Depot’s location near the university was expected to provide security for students, making the allegations particularly disturbing.
According to the university, more than 20 students have so far been identified as victims of the alleged attack. Investigations are still ongoing.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said students reported that both male and female students were assaulted. He added that more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices were allegedly taken during the incident.
Some female students also claimed they were stripped and subjected to inappropriate physical contact by the soldiers. Male students were also reportedly beaten during the operation.
The university said two students required medical treatment after the incident, although one had already been discharged from the hospital.
Adesoji disclosed that three of the suspected soldiers had been identified and brought to the university campus as discussions continue between the institution and the Nigerian Army.
There were also reports that a female student was raped during the incident. However, the university said it could not confirm the allegation because no victim had come forward or been identified.
The university management said it would continue investigating all claims related to the incident.
Witnesses alleged that the soldiers invaded student hostels, assaulted residents, seized phones and other valuables, and subjected some female students to degrading treatment. The soldiers were reportedly part of a batch that participated in a passing-out parade at the Army Depot last Saturday.
Authorities from both the university and the Nigerian Army are expected to continue investigations into the allegations.
