Newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel have allegedly invaded about 20 student hostels near the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo campus, on Monday night, unleashing physical violence and sexual harassment on the students.
Available information indicated that more than 20 students were affected by the late-night raid.
According to eyewitnesses and student reports, the army recruits—who had recently graduated from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo—originally went to relaxation and entertainment centers within the student community.
Witnesses alleged that some of the recruits harassed young men in the area and demanded money transfers into designated bank accounts.
The situation later escalated when the recruits allegedly stormed about 20 student hostels, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens hostels, where they reportedly unleashed violence on the occupants.
Some female students alleged that they were forced to strip and were sexually assaulted, while male students claimed they were beaten, with several alleging that their mobile phones and other valuables were stolen during the incident.
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.”
Also reacting, the Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, Josiah Adeyemo, called on President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
