By Shina Abubakar Osogbo
The Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, Osun State, has disclosed that it has launched an investigation into the alleged assault unleashed on students of the Osun State University, UNIOSUN, by some men of the service on Wednesday.
UNIOSUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, had on Tuesday alleged that some military personnel from the depot stormed the students’ hostel outside of the university to molest female students, beat male students and carted away gadgets late evening on Wednesday.
“We have video evidence of the incidents and documented details of gadgets stolen from our students and will make it available to the appropriate authorities at the right time.
“But this act is barbaric, inhuman and not fitting for any uniformed persons, and we won’t take it lightly. We may even close our roads to the army for usage if they can do this to our students,” he said.
However, the Army Depot, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Yahay Ibrahim, condemned the incident, saying it is not in the tradition of the Army to be involved in public disturbance.
“The Depot wishes to reiterate that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable. 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.
“In line with military regulations and the values of the Nigerian Army, the Commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice. The NANS Southwest coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, is kindly requested to make available all evidence and witness statements to enable a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo remains committed to ensuring that its personnel are held to the highest standards at all times. 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. The Commandant is ready to meet with the NANS leadership at the earliest convenience to agree on the way forward,” he added.
