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A student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has stated that a soldier sexually assaulted her during the invasion of students’ hostels in Osogbo by military personnel on the night of July 1, 2026.
The student, who spoke in a video testimony circulating online, said she was alone in her hostel room preparing a meal when she first became aware that soldiers were in the area.
According to her account, her roommate was away when other students warned that soldiers were assaulting students around the university community. Fearing for her roommate’s safety, she advised her not to return to the hostel that night.
The student said a soldier initially entered her room, searched the premises and asked how many people occupied the room before leaving. She believed the situation had calmed down until she later noticed individuals jumping the fence into her hostel compound after the main gate had been locked by the security guard.
“I noticed them pointing a torch into my room,” she said. “One of them told me to open the door, or he would break it down.”
After she opened the door, the student said that the soldier again asked how many occupants were in the room before telling her not to shout.
“He pinned my neck to the door and told me to calm down,” she said through tears in the testimony. “I was begging him not to touch me.”
She further stated that another soldier entered the room and also told her not to resist, while assuring her that she would like it.
The student said she screamed and struggled until the men left the room, after which she forced the door shut and locked herself inside.
Her account is among several allegations that have emerged following the invasion of off-campus student hostels in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo by soldiers believed to be newly graduated recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo. Students have alleged that soldiers assaulted residents, seized mobile phones and other valuables, and sexually harassed female students.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye, condemned the incident and confirmed that the university had reported the matter to military authorities. He also disclosed that five soldiers had been apprehended in connection with the attack.
The university’s spokesperson, Ademola Adesoji, said more than 20 students had so far been identified as survivors of the incident, while over 60 mobile phones and electronic gadgets were taken during the raid. Some female students also reported being stripped and touched inappropriately.
In response to the allegations, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, announced that it had commenced an investigation into the conduct of its personnel and pledged that anyone found culpable would face disciplinary action.
