The Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI), Osun State Chapter, expresses profound shock, concern, and condemnation over disturbing reports alleging that some newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army unlawfully invaded student hostels around the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo Campus, on the night of 29th of June 2026, where several students and residents were allegedly subjected to physical assault, intimidation, extortion, robbery, and other degrading treatment.
According to reports made available to our organization through credible channels, the incident allegedly occurred in hostels within the university community, including Cristalag Hostel and King & Queen Hostel, where the affected students were reportedly forced out of their rooms and subjected to various forms of abuse.
The allegations further state that some victims were forceful ask for money under duress, while several male students allegedly suffered severe physical assault and were dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables. Even more disturbing are reports that some female students were allegedly forced to strip and subjected to sexual assault and other degrading treatment. Tricycle operators within the community were also reportedly assaulted without lawful justification.
If established after due investigation, these acts constitute grave violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly the fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment. They may also amount to serious criminal offences under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is unacceptable that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians should themselves become the subject of allegations involving violence, intimidation, extortion, and abuse against innocent citizens, particularly students pursuing their education in a peaceful environment.
The Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI) therefore calls on the following authorities to immediately intervene:
1. The Chief of Army Staff to institute a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations and ensure that any personnel found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with military and civil laws.
2. The Honourable Minister of Defence to supervise and ensure full accountability throughout the investigative process.
3. The Inspector-General of Police to collaborate where necessary in conducting criminal investigations into the reported offences.
4. The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, to provide every necessary support to affected students and cooperate fully with investigative authorities.
5. The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, to ensure the safety and welfare of students and residents within the university community.
6. The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure that justice is done and that no individual is shielded from accountability because of institutional affiliation.
We equally demand that:
- Every identified victim receives adequate medical, psychological, and legal support.
- Appropriate compensation be provided where investigations establish wrongdoing.
- Measures be introduced to prevent any recurrence of such incidents within Osun State and across the country.
- The identities of all officers and recruits involved be established through an independent investigation and made available to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary and criminal proceedings where warranted.
The Youth Advancement Initiative remains committed to the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful coexistence between security agencies and the civilian population. While we acknowledge the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in protecting the nation, professionalism and discipline must remain the guiding principles of every officer and soldier.
Justice delayed in this matter may further erode public confidence in our security institutions. We therefore urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly, transparently, and decisively.
The lives, dignity, and constitutional rights of Nigerian youths must never be compromised.
Signed:
Amb. Yusuf Tunde Olanrewaju (USELAW)
Chairman, Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI)
Osun State Chapter
Comr. Adeosun Tobiloba Michael (MAGISLORD)
Secretary, Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI)
Osun State Chapter
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