The Nigerian Army has ordered a full investigation into the alleged assault of students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, promising to hold any personnel found culpable accountable in line with military regulations.
The Army also appealed to victims, witnesses and other stakeholders to provide credible evidence to assist the Board of Inquiry constituted to investigate the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the investigation was directed by the Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army following reports of alleged misconduct involving military personnel.
Yahaya said the Board of Inquiry had commenced work and would conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
He assured the public that the Nigerian Army remained committed to professionalism and respect for human rights, stressing that acts of indiscipline or abuse of civilians were inconsistent with the institution’s core values.
Addressing allegations of rape circulating on social media, the Army said it had not received any formal complaint, medical report or other credible evidence to substantiate the claims.
The statement urged victims, witnesses, the university management and members of the public with relevant information to submit such evidence to the Board of Inquiry or through the Army Public Relations Office, assuring them that their identities would be protected throughout the investigation.
The Army further cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of undermining the ongoing inquiry or escalating tensions, reiterating its commitment to justice, accountability and civil-military cooperation.
The investigation follows allegations by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, that some soldiers assaulted students of UNIOSUN, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
