Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has called on University of Osun (UniOsun) management, victims, and witness of alleged rape perpetrated against students by its recruits, to come forward and provide evidence(s) that would help in its investigation.
The Depot’s Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Ibrahim Yahaya made this call in statement, on Friday, as a follow-up to the ongoing investigation being carried out by its “Board of Inquiry”.
“The Nigerian Army, and by extension Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, remains fully committed to a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct.
“The Board of Inquiry earlier constituted is ongoing and will leave no stone unturned.
‘Any personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws.
“The Army remain professional and does not condone indiscipline,” the statement reads.
Yahaya, however, said on the rape allegations leveled against its recruits, which is circulating and amplified on the social media, and attributed to the Osun University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Adebooye, the Depot has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any victim.
“At this time, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or the University Management to substantiate the claim of rape by our personnel,” he said.
He said in the absence of concrete evidence, the Depot views the widespread circulation of the rape allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public.
He urged all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions.
He thereafter appeals to any alleged victim(s) of assault or sexual misconduct; and any eyewitness(es) with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical records, or statements to come forward and present their evidence.
He said they could present their evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office.
He assured that their identity and safety would be protected in line with military and legal procedures.
He also appealed to the media, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Osun University management, and the general public to avoid the spread of unverified information.
He reiterated that the Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo is committed to civil-military cooperation, protection of students, and the upholding of human rights.
There are reports that some recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, were alleged to have invaded UNIOSUN students’ hostels on Sunday, where they harassed, intimidated and sexually assaulted some students.
The incident triggered a protest by students on Monday, during which roads leading to the university were blocked before the school management and the Army depot appealed for calm and announced an investigation.
