UNIOSUN Management Asks Students To Report Rape, Other Incidents To Appropriate Quarters

The management of Osun State University has urged students to report incidents of rape and other abuse to appropriate quarters including the university’s security team and the police for necessary actions.

The charge followed the alleged rape of a female undergraduate (name withheld) of the state-owned institution by a male corps member, Soji Ezekiel in Osogbo.

Soji was arrested by the Police in Osun State for allegedly raping the student when she went to his room behind Nawarudeen Primary School, Oke-Baale area, Osogbo Local Government Area of the state to charge her phone.

The student lives off-campus and had gone to charge her phone in Soji’s apartment with her friend on the night of Friday, February 16, 2024.

After the two ladies got into the suspect’s place, the victim’s friend reportedly left the room immediately after plugging her phone to attend to other things but before she could return to check her phone, her friend had been screaming in the room as Soji, also known as SOJ, allegedly raped her twice.

The corps member, who was said to be serving in Ilorin, Kwara State, but often visits Osogbo whenever he is on break, allegedly threatened to kill the victim with a bottle if she had failed to allow him satisfy his sexual desire.

Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday by Ademola Adesoji, the Public Relations Officer, Osun State University, the management said it was yet to get “concrete evidence” that the assaulted lady is its student.

“We, at Osun State University have noted with concern the recent reports circulating in the media regarding an alleged rape incident involving a student and a Corps Member.

“While we take any case of sexual assault with utmost seriousness and empathy, it is imperative to clarify certain details to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation.

“As of our preliminary investigation, we have not found concrete evidence to confirm that the victim is indeed a student of Osun State University. We emphasize the importance of accurate reporting, especially when it comes to sensitive matters that can significantly impact the reputation of an organization and its students.

“Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students remains unwavering. However, we urge bloggers and media outlets to exercise caution and diligence in their reporting, ensuring that they verify information thoroughly before dissemination.

“Cases of sexual assault are deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with anyone who may have experienced such trauma. We encourage victims to report incidents promptly to the appropriate authorities, including the police and the university’s security, to ensure a swift and just resolution.

“We await the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation into this matter, and we trust that the legal process will provide a fair and accurate account of the events in question.