Abuja, Nigeria
GUARD TIME INFORMATION (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has strongly condemned the alleged assault on students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) by suspected military personnel, as depicted in videos currently circulating on social media.
The videos allegedly show unidentified military officers believed to be attached to the Oke Bale Military Depot invading student hostels at night, assaulting students, intimidating residents, and allegedly carting away personal belongings. While these allegations remain subject to official verification, GTI considers them grave enough to warrant an immediate, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation.
Speaking in Abuja, the Chairman of GUARD TIME INFORMATION, Comrade Bibi Oduku, stated that no security agency has the legal authority to arbitrarily invade student hostels or subject innocent citizens to intimidation, assault, harassment, or unlawful seizure of property without due process of law.
He announced that GTI would immediately commence an independent fact-finding mission by deploying its investigative journalists, human rights observers, and security experts to establish the facts surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and make appropriate recommendations for legal and disciplinary action.
According to him, should the allegations be substantiated, every officer found culpable must face the full weight of the law, including dismissal from service where applicable, criminal prosecution, and the recovery and return of all properties unlawfully taken from the affected students.
Comrade Oduku also appealed to the students to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with investigators by providing truthful, factual, and verifiable information. He urged them to refrain from exaggeration or making unsubstantiated claims, noting that credibility and evidence are essential to securing justice.
He reaffirmed GTI's commitment to providing legal, media, and human rights support to the University community throughout the investigation until the matter is conclusively resolved.
The organization further called on the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, to continue working closely with the University Management, student leaders, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to preserve peace and order while lawful investigations proceed.
Comrade Oduku commended the University's leadership for responding responsibly to the situation and encouraged students to avoid taking the law into their own hands or engaging in actions capable of escalating tensions or creating opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
Speaking on behalf of the Legal Department for Students Affairs of GUARD TIME INFORMATION, Barrister Angela Anekwe Ekene reaffirmed the organization's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and dignity of students across Nigeria.
She disclosed that GTI maintains strategic partnerships with several student organizations and youth groups and will continue to deploy every lawful means to ensure that justice is served. She emphasized that any violation of students' constitutional rights would be vigorously challenged through appropriate legal channels.
Barrister Anekwe Angela Ekene further stated that GTI's network of legal practitioners across Osun State and the South-West geopolitical zone would closely monitor developments, provide legal assistance where necessary, and keep the public informed with verified updates.
She also acknowledged the support of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), describing the association as a dependable partner in promoting student welfare and safeguarding the rights of students nationwide. According to her, consultations with student leaders are ongoing to ensure that all actions taken promote justice, peace, institutional stability, and the rule of law.
Also reacting to the incident, Professor Gbenga Onabamiro, Director, Centre for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE), Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, described the alleged assault as deeply unfortunate and a matter of grave national concern.
He called on the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, the Nigerian military authorities, and the University Management to act swiftly by conducting a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour.
Professor Onabamiro stressed that the rights, dignity, and safety of students must be protected at all times, emphasizing that universities should remain safe environments dedicated to learning, research, innovation, and personal development.
He stated: "These young people are the future of our nation. We must not allow their hopes, aspirations, and potential to be destroyed by acts of intimidation, violence, or abuse. Protecting students today is an investment in Nigeria's tomorrow."
GUARD TIME INFORMATION therefore calls on the Nigerian military authorities, the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State Government, the University Management, and all relevant oversight agencies to ensure a credible, transparent, and timely investigation into the allegations and to hold anyone found culpable accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The organization reiterates that respect for human rights, the rule of law, accountability, and the protection of educational institutions are fundamental pillars of a democratic society. Nigerian universities must remain safe havens where students can pursue their academic aspirations without fear of intimidation, violence, or unlawful interference.
