- warns of mass protest at defence headquarters if justice is delayed
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Campaign for Democracy (CD), a frontline civil society organisation, has condemned the alleged invasion and assault on students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) by newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and democratic values.
According to reports, the military recruits allegedly stormed student hostels on Monday night, physically assaulted male students, brutalised residents, and subjected several female students to various forms of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Reacting in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the organisation described the incident, if confirmed, as “a national disgrace and a direct affront to democratic values.”
“The shameful conduct allegedly displayed by these military personnel is unacceptable, barbaric, and completely incompatible with the principles of a constitutional democracy,” Lawson said.
The group expressed concern that students pursuing their education could allegedly be subjected to violence by individuals entrusted with protecting the nation, warning that increasing military interference in civilian spaces poses a serious threat to democratic governance and civil liberties.
The Campaign for Democracy called on both the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to immediately institute an independent and transparent investigation into the alleged invasion.
It also demanded the identification, arrest and prosecution of any military personnel found culpable, provision of medical, psychological and legal support for affected students—particularly victims of alleged sexual harassment—and a public apology from the relevant military authorities to the students and the management of Osun State University.
The organisation further urged the government to implement measures to prevent future incidents of military intimidation against civilians across the country.
CD issued a seven-day ultimatum to the authorities, warning that failure to bring those responsible to justice would trigger nationwide peaceful protests.
“If within the next seven days no concrete action is taken and the perpetrators are not brought to book, the Campaign for Democracy, alongside other pro-democracy and civil society organisations, will mobilise Nigerians for a mass protest and picket at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
We will not stand by while students are treated like enemies in their own country,” the statement read.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of military overreach in civilian affairs, warning that such actions revive memories of military dictatorship and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Nigeria fought hard to end military dictatorship. Any attempt, direct or indirect, to normalise military intimidation of civilians is dangerous and must be resisted by all lovers of democracy. Our campuses must remain centres of learning, not theatres of fear,” Lawson added.
The Campaign for Democracy called on student unions, parents, human rights organisations and other pro-democracy groups to stand in solidarity with the affected students and demand justice.
