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The National Association of University Students (NAUS) strongly condemns the alleged brutal assault, intimidation, and harassment of university students by recently passed-out personnel of the Nigerian Army at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo Campus.
The Association received disturbing reports from its members and student leaders on campus, accompanied by videos, photographs, and eyewitness accounts, detailing an incident that allegedly involved the unlawful assault and harassment of innocent students and other civilians.
According to the reports made available to NAUS, the military personnel allegedly descended on students without provocation, subjecting several of them to severe physical assault, intimidation, and degrading treatment. Victims were reportedly beaten, harassed, and forcefully dispossessed of their mobile phones and other personal belongings. These allegations, if confirmed, represent a serious violation of the rights and dignity of Nigerian students.
More troubling are reports alleging that female hostels were invaded during the operation, with female students subjected to intimidation and other degrading treatment that has left many traumatized. Several mobile phones and valuable personal belongings were also reportedly seized during the incident.
The National Association of University Students finds these reports deeply disturbing, particularly at a time when Nigerians expect security agencies to concentrate their efforts on combating insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening the nation. It is unacceptable that students pursuing their academic aspirations should allegedly become victims of abuse by those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.
While NAUS acknowledges the Nigerian Army as a respected national institution founded on discipline, patriotism, and professionalism, the Association believes that any personnel found to have engaged in such misconduct must be held accountable. Acts of brutality, intimidation, and abuse of authority have no place in a professional military institution and must not be allowed to tarnish its reputation.
In view of the gravity of the allegations, NAUS hereby calls for:
1. An immediate and transparent investigation by the Nigerian Army High Command into the reported incident.
2. The identification and appropriate disciplinary action, including prosecution where necessary, against any personnel found culpable after a thorough investigation.
3. The immediate return of all mobile phones and personal belongings reportedly taken from students during the incident.
4. Adequate compensation and necessary support for students who suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or loss of property.
5. Immediate intervention by relevant government authorities and human rights institutions to ensure justice is served and the rights of affected students are protected.
NAUS wishes to make it clear that Nigerian university students are not enemies of the state. They deserve to learn in an environment free from fear, intimidation, and violence. The protection of students’ lives, dignity, and fundamental rights must remain a priority for every institution of government.
The Association urges the Nigerian Army to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves by conducting a credible investigation and ensuring that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.
Should these allegations be ignored or swept aside without meaningful action, NAUS will engage relevant stakeholders and its national structures to consider appropriate lawful and peaceful measures aimed at ensuring justice for the affected students and safeguarding the rights of university students across Nigeria.
The National Association of University Students stands firmly with the affected students of Osun State University and reiterates that justice, accountability, and respect for human rights are non-negotiable.
Justice must be served. Accountability must prevail.
Signed
National Association of University Students (NAUS)
Under the leadership of comrade Adeleke Samson ( Famous)