The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Odunayo Odebooye, has called for the summary dismissal of some soldiers accused of attacking and sexually assaulting students of the institution, describing them as unfit to serve in the Nigerian Army.
LEADERSHIP recalls that some soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo, allegedly invaded students’ hostels on Monday evening, assaulting several students and carting away more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.
During the invasion, some female students were reportedly stripped naked and allegedly forced to dance unclad by the soldiers, who were said to be among personnel that participated in a recent passing-out parade (POP) last Saturday.
Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast show, ‘The Morning Brief’ on Thursday, Professor Odebooye condemned the alleged actions of the soldiers, insisting that such personnel had no place in the Nigerian military.
“These officers, these men, what I call the combatants, are not fit to serve in the Nigerian Army. They are misfits,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that the country must embrace civility and accountability if it hopes to build a just and progressive society.
“Our nation is growing day by day, and we should try to be civilised and change the way we think so that we can actually build a nation. If we don’t change the way we think, we cannot build a nation.”
He urged the military high command and the Federal Government to ensure that any personnel found guilty after due process were dismissed from service.
“Therefore, I recommend to the top echelon of the military and the Federal Government of Nigeria to summarily dismiss these officers after trial,” he said.
Odebooye also warned that failure to adequately punish those responsible could encourage impunity within the armed forces and undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Responding to concerns that a weak response could embolden other military personnel to commit similar acts, the Vice Chancellor said the university community and other stakeholders would not be satisfied with anything less than decisive action.
“I think so, and I agree perfectly with you. The civil society, the students’ union, the labour union, even the university—we are not satisfied until we see the outcome of the investigation and the punitive measures that will follow.”
He added that the institution was prepared to explore other lawful avenues if justice was not served.
“We may seek an alternative option to deal with this matter in the interest of our nation and our people. Protection of students and the general humanity in this country is a task that must be done so that we can have a nation that we can all be proud of.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, on Tuesday, announced the commencement of an investigation into the allegations of misconduct involving some of its personnel following a petition by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D.
The Army said the probe was intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident and assured the public that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with military regulations and the law.
