Five soldiers have been arrested following the alleged overnight invasion of off-campus hostels housing students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo, the university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Adebooye, has confirmed.
According to Adebooye, the suspects, believed to be recently passed-out military recruits, allegedly invaded about 16 privately owned hostels in the Oke Baale area. The soldiers were accused of assaulting students, destroying property, stealing valuables and sexually harassing female residents.
The vice-chancellor said the university immediately reported the incident to military authorities, who responded by deploying senior officers to the institution and launching an investigation.
"As of the meeting we had yesterday morning, five of the soldiers have been apprehended," Adebooye said.
He clarified that the affected hostels are located outside the university campus and are privately operated, noting that the institution has no security jurisdiction over the facilities.
Adebooye also dismissed reports suggesting that the university invited the military to the area.
"We did not engage them for any purpose at all. They simply went to the hostel locations and carried out the act," he said.
He said eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers moved in groups and targeted multiple hostels, describing the incident as traumatic for students.
While commending the military leadership for its swift response, the vice-chancellor said the actions of the recruits do not reflect the university's long-standing relationship with nearby military formations, including the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force.
"We have lived peacefully with the military for years. The top echelon of the military are refined officers, but these recruits carried out an unacceptable act of violence against students," he said.
Adebooye urged the military authorities to impose strict disciplinary measures on anyone found culpable, including dismissal from service after due process.
"These officers are not fit to serve in the Nigerian Army. I recommend that they be summarily dismissed after trial," he added.
He warned that failure to hold those responsible accountable could encourage impunity and erode public confidence in security institutions.
The vice-chancellor also said the university community, student bodies and civil society groups could explore legal options if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation.
Military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report, while investigations remain ongoing.
