UNIOSUN Rejects Army Denial of Rape Allegation During Campus Invasion, Vows to Protect Students

Management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has firmly rejected the Nigerian Army’s official position regarding an alleged rape incident involving soldiers during an invasion of the institution’s campus, declaring that it will take all necessary steps to protect the rights of its students.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the university described the Army’s response as unsatisfactory and inconsistent with the accounts provided by affected students and eyewitnesses.

The incident reportedly occurred when soldiers from a nearby military formation stormed the UNIOSUN main campus in Osogbo, allegedly in pursuit of suspects. According to students and university sources, the operation turned chaotic, with several female students claiming they were sexually assaulted during the invasion.

The Nigerian Army had earlier issued a statement denying any wrongdoing by its personnel, describing the rape allegations as “unfounded and malicious.”

UNIOSUN’s management, however, said it had conducted an internal investigation and received credible reports from students that contradicted the Army’s position. The university stated that it would not sweep the matter under the carpet and would pursue justice for the victims through all lawful channels.

The institution also revealed that it had engaged legal counsel and was working with relevant civil society organisations and human rights bodies to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated and that the affected students receive appropriate support and protection.

The university appealed to the Chief of Army Staff and the relevant military authorities to cooperate with an independent investigation rather than issuing what it called “defensive statements” that could undermine public trust.

It further assured parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety and dignity of its students remained its top priority, and that no effort would be spared in addressing the incident.

The development has sparked outrage among students, civil society groups, and women’s rights organisations, with many calling for a full-scale independent probe into the alleged invasion and sexual misconduct.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued a fresh response to UNIOSUN’s latest statement.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel during operations on civilian spaces, particularly educational institutions, and has renewed calls for stricter guidelines on military involvement in internal security matters.