NANS Southwest Opts for Dialogue as Depot Nigerian Army Opens Formal Investigation into UNIOSUN Student Assault
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has called for calm among Nigerian students following the official response of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, to allegations of assault and misconduct involving some military personnel.
The appeal comes after the Army, through its Public Relations Officer, Major Yahay Ibrahim, confirmed that the Commandant had ordered a formal investigation into the allegations raised by the student body. The military authority also invited NANS Southwest to submit available evidence and witness accounts while assuring that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate sanctions under military law.
Reacting to the development, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of NANS, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode (BILLIONCODES), described the Army's response as an important step toward institutional accountability, noting that the association would fully cooperate with the investigative process.
While acknowledging the pain and trauma reportedly experienced by affected students, NANS Southwest urged members of the student community to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that justice would best be achieved through facts, credible evidence, and due process.
The association maintained that its decision to embrace dialogue should not be interpreted as a retreat from its advocacy but as a strategic effort to ensure that accountability is achieved through lawful mechanisms.
According to the association, all available documentary evidence—including videos, photographs, eyewitness accounts, and other relevant materials—will be presented before the investigative panel established by the military authorities.
NANS further encouraged victims and eyewitnesses to preserve relevant evidence and cooperate with the association throughout the investigation.
The student body reiterated that it would continue monitoring the investigative process to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. It added that should the assurances given by the Nigerian Army fail to translate into concrete action, NANS would consider pursuing other lawful democratic measures in defence of students' rights and welfare.
