Take It Back Movement Condemns Reported Invasion and Assault of UNIOSUN Students by Nigerian Army Recruits, Demands Immediate Investigation, Prosecution, and Justice

The Take It Back Movement, Osun State Chapter, has condemned the reported invasion of student hostels in the Sasa area of Osogbo by some Nigerian Army recruits, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.

In a press statement signed by the Osun State Coordinator of the movement, Lijofi Victor, the movement said it received credible reports that the recruits attacked students living in hostels around the area.

According to the statement, the incident involved the physical assault of students, alleged cases of sexual assault, theft of personal belongings, and the forced transfer of money from victims to the attackers. The movement described the actions as disturbing, noting that students’ hostels should be safe places for learning and peaceful living. It said it was unacceptable for people entrusted with protecting the public to be linked to such actions.

The Take It Back Movement stressed that no member of the armed forces is above the law. It noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to life, dignity, and privacy, while the Armed Forces Act and other criminal laws prohibit assault, theft, sexual violence, extortion, and other forms of abuse.

The movement called for an immediate, independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Osun State Government. It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all recruits found responsible for the reported attack.

In addition, the movement demand that authorities should provide medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance to the victims. It also called for the recovery and return of all money and valuables taken from the students.

The statement further demanded that the Nigerian Army publicly account for the conduct of the recruits involved and strengthen human rights training and internal oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Take It Back Movement expressed solidarity with the affected students of Osun State University and all victims of the reported assault, insisting that an attack on one student is an attack on the entire student community.