GTI condemns alleged assault on UNIOSUN students, demands independent probe
GUARD TIME INFORMATION (GTI)
Abdullateef Fowewe
Human rights group GUARD TIME INFORMATION (GTI) has condemned what it described as the alleged assault of students at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) by suspected military personnel.
GTI in a statement signed Thursday by Bibi Oduku, Chairman, GUARD TIME INFORMATION (GTI) called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show unidentified military officers, believed to be attached to the Oke Bale Military Depot, entering student hostels at night, assaulting residents, intimidating others, and taking personal property, Dailyeconomy reports.
GTI said the footage, while still subject to official verification, raises serious concerns that warrant urgent scrutiny.
Oduku said in Abuja that no security agency has the 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 will deploy investigative journalists, human-rights observers, and security experts to conduct an independent fact-finding mission to establish the facts, identify those responsible, and recommend legal or disciplinary action.
“If the allegations are substantiated, every officer found culpable must face the full weight of the law, including dismissal where applicable, criminal prosecution, and the recovery and return of all properties unlawfully taken,” Oduku said.
He urged students to remain calm, cooperate with investigators, and provide truthful, verifiable information while avoiding exaggeration or unsubstantiated claims.
GTI pledged to provide legal, media, and human-rights support to the university community throughout the investigation.
The group also called on UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor Professor Clement Adebooye to collaborate with university management, student leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to preserve peace while lawful inquiries proceed.
GTI commended the university leadership for what it described as a responsible response to the incident.
Barrister Angela Anekwe Ekene, speaking for GTI’s Legal Department for Students Affairs, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to defending students’ rights and said GTI’s network of legal practitioners across Osun State and the South-West will monitor developments and provide assistance where necessary.
She noted GTI’s partnerships with student organisations, including ongoing consultations with the National Association of University Students (NAUS).
Professor Gbenga Onabamiro, Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE) at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, described the reported assault as “deeply unfortunate and a matter of grave national concern.”
He urged the federal and state governments, the Nigerian military, and university management to ensure a comprehensive, impartial probe, adding: “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.”
GTI called on the Nigerian military authorities, the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State Government, UNIOSUN management, and relevant oversight agencies to ensure a credible, timely investigation and to hold anyone found culpable accountable under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The organisation stressed that protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding educational institutions are essential to maintaining safe learning environments.
