Osun NAWOJ Calls for Immediate Dismissal and Prosecution of Army Recruits involved in UNIOSUN Sexual Assault
Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, condemns in the strongest terms the alleged sexual assault of female University students of UNIOSUN by Army recruits in Osogbo.
In a release signed by the Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola and Secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi described the act as barbaric, a cross abuse of power, and a betrayal of the constitutional duty of the Armed Forces to protect lives and property.
Sexual violence, especially when perpetrated by individuals entrusted with protecting citizens, is a grievous abuse of power and a direct violation of the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls.
“It is disheartening to note that men in uniform who ought to always protect us: 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”.
Osun NAWOJ condemn this Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV perpetration in strong terms and demands the following immediate actions from the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu:
1. Dismissal from Service: The Nigerian Army should summarily dismiss the five recruits found culpable, in line with military regulations on conduct unbecoming of personnel.
2. Swift Prosecution: The suspects must be handed over to civil authorities for investigation and prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Law and other relevant statutes, without delay or cover-up.
3. Justice for the Survivors: The university, security agencies, and relevant ministries must provide medical, psychosocial, and legal support to the survivors, while ensuring their safety and protection from intimidation.
Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, Chairperson, Osun NAWOJ maintains that “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.”
NAWOJ used the medium to commend the UNIOSUN VC, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye and the University management for standing with truth, and protecting the students, assessing the situation and involving relevant agencies.
NAWOJ, the fore women led, professional journalists group reaffirms its commitment to amplify the voices of survivors, hold institutions accountable, and work with security agencies, relevant stakeholders, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and civil society to end sexual and gender-based violence in Osun State.