The Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of five Nigerian Army recruits allegedly involved in the rape of female students at Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
In a statement signed by the association’s Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, on Tuesday, the group strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault, saying it constituted a serious violation of the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls.
NAWOJ described the alleged act as “barbaric” and a betrayal of the constitutional responsibility of the Armed Forces to protect lives and property.
The association expressed concern that personnel expected to safeguard citizens were instead accused of perpetrating sexual violence.
“It is disheartening to note that men in uniform who ought to always protect us, especially women and children, are the ones perpetrating this dastardly act. Particularly from recruits who are just coming into the security system with such mindset, such are dangerous to the society, the state and the country at large,” the statement read.
The women journalists’ body condemned the alleged Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the strongest terms and urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to take decisive action.
Among its demands, NAWOJ called for the immediate dismissal of the five recruits found culpable in line with military regulations governing personnel conduct. It also urged that the suspects be handed over to civil authorities for investigation and prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and other applicable laws without delay or cover-up.
The association further called on the university, security agencies and relevant government ministries to provide medical, psychosocial and legal support for the survivors while ensuring their protection from intimidation.
Chairperson of the association, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, stressed that the military must demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual violence.
“No uniform shields a rapist from justice. The military must show zero tolerance by acting decisively. Silence or delay erodes public trust and emboldens perpetrators,” she said.
NAWOJ also commended the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and the university management for what it described as their commitment to protecting students, addressing the situation promptly and involving relevant authorities.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual violence, holding institutions accountable and collaborating with security agencies, the Ministry of Women Affairs and civil society organisations to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Osun State.