Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct by some of its personnel following reports that soldiers invaded students hostels near Osun State University, Osogbo.
The soldiers were alleged to have assaulted students and carted away personal belongings.
The probe follows a complaint submitted by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D, over the incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday evening.
One of the students, identified simply as Ademola, recounted her experience in a video shared online, alleging that she was assaulted when soldiers entered her hostel room while she was preparing a meal.
According to her, she initially noticed soldiers in the area and believed the situation had subsided before the officers allegedly returned later in the day.
“My name is Ademola…, a student of Osun State University. I was in my hostel room cooking when I noticed they (soldiers) were around. After a while everything died down. However, later, we started hearing noise again.
“They started pointing their touch to my room and asked who was there and what were they doing this for. The next thing, they asked me to open my door and I opened the door.
“So, one of them asked how many of us was inside the room and I told him two. I also told him my roommate wasn’t around.”
Ademola alleged that one of the soldiers later became physically aggressive.
“Then, he pinned me to my bathroom door, told me I would like it. He also told me not to shout. So, I begged him.
“I had to look for a way to get out of his hold and moved to the door. On moving to the door, I told him to move out. He asked if I wanted him to move out.”
She further claimed that another soldier entered the room during the encounter.
“While on that, his colleague came in and also told me to calm down, that I would love it and that I shouldn’t shout.
“So, when they started moving, I shouted and screamed. After shouting, they both moved out and I had to use force to close the door.”
The student said a hostel mate later came to check on her after hearing the disturbance.
The incident is linked to reports that some soldiers, believed to be among personnel who participated in the Army Depot passing-out parade held last Saturday, invaded hostels occupied by students, allegedly assaulting residents and taking away more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices.
In response, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, said it had commenced an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and assured that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
