Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Reports emerging from Osogbo indicate that students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Main Campus, have been subjected to various forms of harassment, assault, and abuse by some newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army within the last 24 hours. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has sparked widespread outrage among students, parents, and civil society groups, who have condemned the alleged actions and called for urgent intervention.
According to accounts from affected students and residents, the recruits, said to be from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, allegedly invaded about 20 student hostels in areas around the university community. Witnesses alleged that the soldiers invaded several student hostels, physically assaulted male students, intimidated residents, and subjected some female students to degrading treatment. The affected hostels include Cristalag and Kings and Queens hostels, where the soldiers reportedly unleashed violence on the occupants.
In a disturbing turn of events, some female students alleged that they were forced to strip and were sexually assaulted, while male students claimed they were beaten. Reports also indicated that the soldiers seized and took away over 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets belonging to the students. Additionally, students who were found adorning clothes or caps in Army colours were allegedly beaten up. The perpetrators are said to be part of the batch that had their passing-out parade last Saturday.
The development has generated widespread concern among students, parents, civil society groups, and members of the public. Student leaders and concerned stakeholders have described the reports as disturbing and capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence between the university community and security institutions operating within the state. The Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, Josiah Adeyemo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye, condemned the incident, describing it as "gory". He reportedly referred to the perpetrators as "animals" who "should not be living among humans". The Vice-Chancellor, who visited some of the affected hostels on Tuesday, said the incident had been reported to the Army Depot management. He expressed sadness that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which was expected to provide security cover, could instead release men that would subject students to such a harrowing experience.
As of the time of filing this report on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the allegations. Given the gravity of the allegations, there is an urgent need for the Federal Government, the Chief of Army Staff, the Osun State Government, the National Human Rights Commission, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to immediately investigate the matter. The safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of students must be protected at all times, while ensuring that justice is served for any proven misconduct. A swift and impartial investigation will not only establish the facts surrounding the incident but also help restore public confidence and prevent a recurrence of such allegations in the future.
Students of the institution have reportedly moved to protest the assault, with videos circulating on social media showing the student body mobilising against the incident.
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