The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned allegations that soldiers of the Nigerian Army invaded student hostels at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), assaulted students, robbed them of their belongings and sexually assaulted female students, calling for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident.
In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the group said the allegations, if confirmed, would amount to a serious breach of trust by an institution meant to protect citizens.
“If these allegations are confirmed, they represent a serious violation of human rights, a betrayal of public trust and a disgrace to every institution responsible for protecting the lives and dignity of Nigerians,” the statement read. “No student should ever have to live in fear of those who are constitutionally expected to protect the people.”
The Forum said the alleged UNIOSUN incident was not an isolated case, pointing to what it described as a pattern of unresolved harassment and abuse complaints within the Nigerian Army. It cited the case of a former officer, Matilda Anighoro, who it said had accused a senior officer, General Okoigi, of sexual harassment.
“After enduring frustration and prolonged silence from the authorities, she eventually resigned from the Nigerian Army,” the group said, adding that “such experiences discourage victims from reporting abuse and weaken public confidence in military accountability.”
The statement also referenced another case involving one Ruth Ogunleye, whom it said had made similar allegations of sexual harassment within the military, and reports of soldiers allegedly complaining of poor welfare despite budgetary allocations meant for their support.
The ENF questioned what it called deeper institutional problems within the Army. “What could lead to a situation where soldiers allegedly resort to robbing civilians, and not just civilians, but students?” the statement asked, while stressing that this was “in no way a justification” for the alleged conduct at UNIOSUN.
The group listed ten demands, including an independent probe into the UNIOSUN allegations, the suspension and prosecution of any officer found culpable, medical and psychological support for victims, and a call on the National Human Rights Commission to investigate and publish its findings.
It further urged the Federal Government to “demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual violence, abuse of power and human rights violations,” and called on the United Nations and other international human rights bodies to monitor the situation.
“Accountability is not an attack on the Nigerian Army,” the statement said. “Rather, it is necessary to restore public confidence and preserve the honour of the many officers and soldiers who serve this country professionally and with integrity.”
