Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army has issued a public appeal to victims and eyewitnesses of the alleged assault on students of Osun State University to provide concrete evidence to assist its ongoing investigation, even as it confirmed that no formal complaint or medical report has been received to substantiate claims of rape levelled against its personnel.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2026, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the Board of Inquiry previously constituted to investigate the allegations was continuing its work and would "leave no stone unturned." The Army appealed directly to alleged victims of assault or sexual misconduct, as well as eyewitnesses with verifiable information — including videos, photographs, medical records, or statements — to present such evidence confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. The Army assured members of the public that their identity and safety would be protected in line with military and legal procedures, adding that presenting credible evidence remained the only path to identifying and prosecuting the culprits if they exist.
The investigation was ordered following allegations by UNIOSUN management and the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, that newly passed-out non-commissioned officers on Monday night invaded several hostels of the institution, carted away phones, assaulted male students, and raped female students. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, had condemned the incident, describing it as "gory" and referring to the perpetrators as "animals" who should not be living among humans. The university confirmed that more than 60 mobile phones and other devices were confiscated by the attackers, and at least two students required hospital treatment.
However, the Army raised concerns over the rape allegations circulating on social media. According to the statement, the commandant had taken note of claims attributed to the Vice-Chancellor and amplified on various online platforms. The Army stated that at this time, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo had not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or the University Management to substantiate the claim of rape by its personnel. In the absence of such concrete evidence, the military viewed the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as "unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public."
The military urged all parties to avoid actions or statements capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or escalating tensions within the affected communities. The Depot also appealed to the media, NANS, the university management, and the public to avoid spreading unverified information. The Army said it remained committed to civil-military cooperation, the protection of students, the promotion of human rights, and providing updates as the investigation progresses.
The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, had earlier confirmed that the personnel involved in the alleged assault had been apprehended and were undergoing disciplinary procedures in line with the military justice system. The Army stated that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws. The commandant also expressed readiness to meet with the leadership of NANS to discuss the incident and agree on the way forward.
The incident, which occurred on the night of Monday, June 29, 2026, has drawn widespread condemnation from the university community, student leaders, and other stakeholders, who have called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible if the claims are substantiated. The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Nigerian Army recruits allegedly involved in the reported rape of female students. The Army has stressed that any conduct inconsistent with its professional standards and mandate to safeguard lives and property would not be tolerated.
As the investigation continues, the Army has appealed to the public to present any credible evidence they may have, emphasising that the actions of the accused personnel do not reflect the training and character development expected of recruits at the Depot. The Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and professionalism among its personnel.
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