Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) have accused soldiers from the Army Depot Osogbo of invading their hostels, assaulting students and confiscating more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening at student halls of residence in Osogbo.
According to reports, several students were physically assaulted during the invasion. Some female students alleged that soldiers stripped them and subjected them to degrading treatment, while male students and other residents wearing clothing or caps with military-style colours were also reportedly beaten.
There were also allegations that a female student was raped during the incident. However, the claim had not been independently verified at the time of reporting, as no alleged victim had been identified.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Clement Adebooye, said the matter had been reported to the management of the Army Depot.
“We have reported to the management of the depot. It is sad that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which we felt would give us security cover, could eventually release men that will subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience,” he said.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said more than 20 students had so far been identified as victims.
According to him, two students were hospitalised following the alleged assault, although one had since been discharged. He also confirmed that more than 60 phones and other gadgets were allegedly taken from students.
Adesoji further disclosed that three of the alleged perpetrators had been identified and brought to the university campus, adding that the Vice-Chancellor had escalated the matter to the appropriate military authorities.
He noted that while allegations of indecent assault had been reported by some female students, the university could not yet confirm the reported rape allegation.
