Fresh soldiers reportedly storm university dormitories, attack pupils in Osun state

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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

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Students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo campus, were reportedly subjected to a harrowing ordeal on Monday night after newly recruited Nigerian Army personnel allegedly invaded student hostels, assaulted male students and sexually harassed female students.

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According to findings, the recruits, said to be from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, had earlier visited areas around the students’ community under the guise of relaxing at entertainment centres.

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Witnesses alleged that some of the recruits harassed young men in the area and demanded money transfers into designated bank accounts.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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The Nigerian Army had yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

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