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• Soldiers erase fears of Osun communities
By Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The new Depot Nigerian Army, is located between Boredun in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government and Oke-Baale, Osogbo, Osun State. Specifically, Osogbo shares boundary with the Nigerian Air Force Institute, while Boredun in Iragbiji and Boredun Ilare-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government, are bounded by the depot.
The facility shares boundaries with communities that have continued to keep close watch on the soldiers’ activities. A situation that earlier raised fears and heightened tensions among the three communities.
However, residents of the affected communities said they have not recorded any bitter experience. According to them, the two years of interaction have instead brought relative peace and stability. They reported no instance of harassment, intimidation, or threat during the period.
Baale of Boredun Iragbiji, Chief Maruff Ayoniyi, described the relationship between his community and the depot as cordial, highlighting nearly two years of peaceful coexistence. He said: “They came here last year for a meeting with us. They said they are not ready to fight us. They begged us not to do anything that can cause a fight.
“They asked us to warn our wives to avoid collecting phone numbers from soldiers. They told us they cannot know everything that is happening after they have assigned them to duty posts. So, the community should inform them whenever we notice anything strange.
“Since that engagement, there has been no outbreak of violence. No disputes have been reported between the soldiers and either motorcyclists or other members of the community. They trained a set last year, and we are expecting another set this year. Probably by July for recruitment.”
He explained that although the community usually endures inconvenience during the training period: “They usually scatter to sleep anywhere. That is how it will be for about two weeks before they finish screening and pick the successful ones.”
Ayoniyi added that when some applicants were discovered to still be waiting after training had ended last year, community leaders contacted the unit’s leadership, and the concerned individuals were promptly removed.
However, the chief lamented that the major challenge during screening is the issue of defecation around the area. He said the applicants often lack proper accommodation during the early stage of training: “What we endure was defecation around because they don’t have where to sleep.
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“We usually give them mats to sleep, but they defecate wherever they see. During the screening, we have to endure. Once they finish screening, the shortlisted candidates will be taken inside.”
He stated that soldiers restrict movement around parts of the land being used for exercises: “Whenever they are on the land for training, they will inform us not to go to the farm along the place they are doing training until they finish and return to their barracks.”
Another concern raised was the absence of electricity to help community members monitor activities, especially during night periods. He called on the government to provide a transformer for the community: “We don’t have light to know whatever they are doing. We need a transformer, and we hope the government will help us.”
A tricycle rider, Bola Adeagbo, “They (soldiers) usually joke with us, if you don’t offend them. “What they want is obedience. If you obey their command, they won’t do anything to you. If they don’t ask you to pass and you prove stubborn, they will not beat you, but they will delay you. If you beg them very well, they will release you. I don’t think they’ve beaten anybody in my presence.”
A trader, Mrs. Dupe Komolafe, said: “If you come in the afternoon, you will see how they (soldires) relate with people. They buy things from us, joke with us and play with us.”
While people of Osun were expecting that the same atmosphere of cooperation would be sustained, the event that occurred during the recent recruit intake nearly brought the name of the Army into disrepute.
There was chaos at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, on June 30, 2026, following an alleged invasion of student hostels by newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army. Students insisted that the recruits invaded their hostels at night, assaulted male students and sexually harassed female students.
Female students claimed they were forced to strip and were sexually assaulted while male students said they were allegedly beaten, and that their mobile phones and valuables were stolen.
UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, described the incident as “gory” and referred to the perpetrators as “animals” who “should not be living among humans.”
Army Public Relations Officer, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, immediately called for calm: “Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of life and property.”
After constituting Board of Inquiry, the Army said it has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or UNIOSUN management to substantiate the rape allegation attributed to its personnel.
“The inquiry panel is ongoing. Any personnel found culpable will be dealt with under the Armed Forces Act and other laws. Parties should avoid statements that could prejudice the investigation or inflame tensions.
“Victims, witnesses should come forward with verifiable information (videos, photographs, medical records, statements) to the Board of Inquiry or via the Army Public Relations Office. Identities and safety would be protected under military and legal procedures. The media, NANS, university management and the public should avoid spreading unverified information.”
Nobody has come out to appear before the panel as requested.
