By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
The management of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, have berated the Nigeria Army Deport of being insensitive to the trauma of its students allegedly assaulted by its personnel.
It would be recalled that some new recruit from the Army Depot in Osogbo allegedly stormed students community at Oke-Baale, molesting girls and assaulted some boys. Meanwhile the Army pledged to probe the incident with a view to punishing the suspects, claiming it arrested five suspects.
However in a statement made released at the weekend by the Public Relations Officer Major Ibrahim Yahayathe Army reiterated the Army commitment to probing the matter and punish the errant personnel but there is no evidence against the accused personnel that support the allegation against them.
He said, “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.
“On the Allegations of Rape, now Circulating on Social Media, the Commandant has taken note of rape allegations recently attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye and amplified on social media platforms. 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.
“In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public. We therefore urge all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions. We therefore make a direct appeal to any alleged victim(s) of assault or sexual misconduct; and any eyewitness(es) with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical records, or statements.
“You are kindly requested to come forward and present your evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. Your identity and safety will be protected in line with military and legal procedures”.
He appealed to the stakeholders including NANS, media and other victims to come forward with credible evidence.
However, the University in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Adesoji Ademola acknowledged that a board of inquiry was set but the expressed concern over the mode of its operations, saying calling assaulted students to come forward with evidence is insensitive.
According to the statement, such an approach does not adequately recognise the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often discourage survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions they may associate with the alleged perpetrators.
The University also described as unacceptable any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before the military authorities.
“Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection. The University will not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said.
The University reaffirmed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its highest priority, noting that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will continue to stand with students who report any form of harassment, assault or abuse.
It explained that the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to respond to concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students.
The University also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as “unconfirmed” or “potentially misleading,” describing the remarks as a responsible response made in good faith and in the discharge of the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to safeguard its students. The University wishes the Military Depot to know that a University does not make careless statement.
Consequently, the University disclosed that it has instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students.
