A female student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), identified simply as Ademola, has alleged that she was physically assaulted and nearly sexually assaulted by a soldier during the invasion of student hostels by military personnel in Osogbo, Osun State.
The student recounted her experience in an emotional video that surfaced online, describing how one of the soldiers allegedly pinned her against the bathroom door inside her hostel room while making inappropriate advances.
According to Ademola, she was alone in her room preparing a meal when she noticed soldiers moving around the hostel premises. Believing the situation had subsided after the initial commotion, she remained inside her room until the officers allegedly returned.
She said the soldiers directed flashlights into her room before ordering her to open the door. After she complied, one of the soldiers questioned her about how many occupants were inside the room. She told him that she and her roommate occupied the room but that her roommate was not present at the time.
The student alleged that the situation quickly escalated when one of the soldiers became physically aggressive.
“He pinned me against my bathroom door and told me I would like it. He also warned me not to shout. I kept begging him while trying to free myself,” she said in the video.
According to her account, she eventually managed to break away and moved toward the entrance of the room, demanding that the soldier leave.
She further alleged that another soldier entered the room and attempted to calm her while discouraging her from raising an alarm.
“His colleague came in and told me to calm down, saying I would love it and that I shouldn’t shout. When they started moving closer, I screamed loudly. After I shouted, they both left, and I quickly forced the door shut,” she narrated.
Ademola said one of her hostel mates later knocked on her door after hearing the commotion to ensure she was safe.
The alleged assault comes amid wider allegations arising from Monday evening’s invasion of student hostels by soldiers attached to the Army Depot in Osogbo.
Several students have accused the soldiers of assaulting residents, confiscating more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices during the operation.
Some female students also alleged that they were stripped naked and forced to dance unclothed by some of the soldiers, who were reportedly among personnel that participated in the Army Depot’s passing-out parade held last Saturday.
In response to the allegations, the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, announced on Tuesday that it had commenced an investigation into the reported misconduct after receiving a formal complaint from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D.
The Army stated that the investigation is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident and assured the public that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
As of the time of filing this report, the investigation remains ongoing, while the Nigerian Army has urged members of the public to allow the process to run its course before conclusions are drawn.
