The management of Osun State University has lodged a formal complaint with the Nigerian Army following the alleged invasion of students’ hostels by soldiers from the Army Depot in Osogbo.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday evening, left several students alleging physical assault, harassment and the theft of mobile phones and other valuables.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adebooye, disclosed on Tuesday that the institution had reported the matter to the military authorities after he visited some of the affected hostels to assess the situation and interact with students.
Adebooye described the development as disturbing, noting that the university had always regarded the Army Depot, located close to the campus, as a source of security for students and staff.
He said preliminary findings indicated that more than 20 students were affected by the incident, while investigations were still ongoing.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said reports received from victims alleged that the soldiers assaulted both male and female students and carted away more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.
According to him, some female students alleged that they were stripped and sexually assaulted during the incident, while several male students were also beaten by the soldiers.
Adesoji added that two students sustained injuries serious enough to require medical treatment, although one of them had been discharged from hospital as of Tuesday morning.
He further revealed that three of the suspected soldiers had been identified and brought to the university as discussions continued between the institution’s management and the Nigerian Army over the allegations.
The university also said it received reports alleging that a female student was raped during the invasion.
However, Adesoji stressed that the claim had yet to be substantiated because no alleged victim had formally come forward.
“We cannot confirm the alleged rape at this stage because the purported victim has not been identified,” he said, assuring that all allegations arising from the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The soldiers involved were reportedly among a batch that recently completed their passing-out parade at the Army Depot, Osogbo.
The university said it was awaiting the outcome of investigations by the military authorities while seeking justice for the affected students.