July 3 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has said it has yet to find any evidence to substantiate allegations of rape in the ongoing investigation into the alleged assault of students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, by some recently passed-out personnel of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.
The clarification comes days after the Army launched an investigation into allegations by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that military recruits invaded student hostels in Osogbo on June 29, assaulted several students and allegedly extorted money from some of the victims.
THEWILL reported on June 30 that the Army constituted a Board of Inquiry following the public outcry generated by the incident, with military authorities pledging a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct involving the personnel.
In a follow-up statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the Board of Inquiry was continuing its work and remained committed to conducting a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
According to him, the Army will not shield any personnel found guilty of misconduct, insisting that anyone found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws.
Yahaya said the Army had also taken note of rape allegations circulating on social media and reportedly attributed to the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye.
He, however, maintained that, as of Friday, the Army had not received any formal complaint from an alleged victim, witness or the university management, nor had it received any medical report or other credible evidence to support the rape claims.
“In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public”, the statement read.
The Army appealed to anyone with firsthand knowledge of the incident, including alleged victims of assault or sexual misconduct and eyewitnesses with verifiable information, to submit evidence to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office.
It assured that the identities of those who come forward would be protected in accordance with military and legal procedures, stressing that credible evidence was necessary to identify and prosecute any offender.
The Army also cautioned the media, NANS, the management of UNIOSUN and members of the public against circulating unverified information that could prejudice the investigation or heighten tensions.
While reiterating its commitment to civil-military relations, the protection of students and respect for human rights, the Army said it would continue to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
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