The Nigerian Army has arrested five soldiers and launched an investigation after UNIOSUN students alleged military recruits invaded hostels, assaulted residents and harassed female students.
Students of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, took to the streets in protest after newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel allegedly invaded several off-campus hostels, assaulted students, sexually harassed female residents and carted away valuables in an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage. The Nigerian Army has since ordered an investigation, while the university management has demanded justice for the affected students.
The alleged UNIOSUN hostel invasion reportedly occurred late Monday night around the Oke-Baale and Shasha areas of Osogbo, where military recruits from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, were said to have stormed about 16 to 20 privately owned student hostels. Students claimed the recruits broke into rooms, assaulted occupants, seized mobile phones and other valuables, and subjected several female students to degrading treatment, including allegations of sexual harassment. The allegations remain under investigation.
The incident triggered widespread protests on Tuesday as hundreds of students blocked the busy Osogbo/Ikirun Road, carrying placards demanding justice and accountability. Messages displayed during the demonstration included, “We came to learn, not to be raped,” “Our girls are not safe anymore,” and “The Nigerian Army is not above the law.” Security personnel later restored calm while university authorities engaged military officials.
Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Clement Adebooye condemned the incident in strong terms after visiting the affected hostels. “I was moved to tears by what these military boys did to our students, especially the female students,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor described the alleged actions as “inhumane” and “barbaric,” adding that the university had immediately reported the matter to the Army authorities for urgent intervention.
UNIOSUN’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, disclosed that more than 20 students had been identified as victims. According to him, “Some female students alleged that they were stripped and touched inappropriately. Some male students were also assaulted. Two students were hospitalised, although one has since been discharged.” He added that over 60 mobile phones and electronic gadgets were allegedly taken during the attack.
Responding to the allegations, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, said it had commenced a full investigation. In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Army said, “No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property.” He assured that any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of military law.
The Army further appealed to the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to submit evidence and witness statements to aid investigators. Major Ibrahim stated, “The alleged actions of the personnel do not reflect the training and character development of recruits at the Depot. We therefore give our firm assurance that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law.”
In a fresh development, Prof. Adebooye disclosed that five soldiers allegedly linked to the incident had been apprehended by military authorities following preliminary investigations. “As of the meeting we had yesterday morning, five of the soldiers have been apprehended,” the Vice-Chancellor said, noting that the university did not request military personnel to operate around the affected hostels and would continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
While investigations continue, the incident has renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel and the safety of students living in off-campus accommodation across Nigeria. The Nigerian Army has pledged a transparent investigation and appropriate disciplinary action where necessary, while students and rights advocates continue to demand justice for victims of the alleged UNIOSUN hostel invasion.
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