The Nigerian Army has said it has yet to receive any formal complaint, medical report or credible evidence to support allegations that some of its personnel raped students of Osun State University, Osogbo, during an alleged assault on the institution.
The military, however, insisted that its ongoing investigation into the incident would be thorough, transparent and impartial, warning that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya.
The statement followed widespread allegations that recently passed-out soldiers attached to the depot invaded the university campus, assaulted students, sexually harassed female students, vandalised property and carted away phones and cash.
Yahaya said a Board of Inquiry earlier constituted to investigate the allegations was still carrying out its assignment.
“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 remains professional and does not condone indiscipline,” the statement read.
Responding specifically to the rape allegations circulating on social media, the Army said it had not received any formal complaint or evidence from alleged victims, witnesses or the university management.
It noted that the allegations, reportedly attributed to the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, had not been substantiated through official channels.
“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,” the statement added.
The Army described the continued circulation of the allegation without supporting evidence as unconfirmed and potentially misleading, urging the public to avoid actions capable of undermining the ongoing investigation or escalating tensions.
It appealed to anyone with verifiable information, including victims, eyewitnesses or persons with videos, photographs, medical records or other evidence, to present such materials confidentially before the Board of Inquiry.
According to the Army, the identities and safety of informants would be protected in line with military and legal procedures.
The military also urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the management of Osun State University and members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims while investigations continue.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, civil-military relations, protection of students and respect for human rights, promising to keep the public updated on the outcome of the probe.
The latest statement comes days after the UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor condemned the alleged invasion of the institution by soldiers, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
Adebooye had disclosed that five soldiers were arrested in connection with the incident.
According to the vice-chancellor, the personnel allegedly invaded students’ hostels, assaulted students, sexually harassed female undergraduates, vandalised property and stole phones and cash.
He also apologised to the affected students over what he described as the psychological trauma they suffered and urged the military authorities to keep the arrested personnel away from the university environment pending the conclusion of investigations.
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