Akeredolu, AAUA seek prosecution of soldiers over alleged rape of student

Laud brigade commander for prompt action
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has urged the army to prosecute soldiers arrested over alleged rape of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) student.

In a statement issued yesterday in Akure by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, the governor described the offence as callous, mindless and disheartening.He also lamented that soldiers ought to be helpers the people, especially the vulnerable, in the face of increasing violence and insecurity in the country.

“It should be noted that the Government of Ondo State under Akeredolu will do all in its powers to fight the menace of rape in the state. Rapists, or those who wish to engage in it will find Ondo State too hot for such nefarious act, as government will be firm and decisive on this,” the statement reads.

The governor’s entreaties followed the arrest of the soldiers who perpetrated the crime, even as management of the institution has demanded the dismantling of all military checkpoints in the area.

A preliminary investigation report released by the institution’s Acting Registrar, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa in Akure yesterday, condemned the sexual assault on female students.

However, Akeredolu described the arrest of the alleged rapists at the Akungba-Ikare checkpoint as heartwarming and applauded the prompt response and swiftness of the Brigade Commander who ensured apprehension of those allegedly involved in the dastardly act. “Reassuring as the effort appears, Akeredolu is unequivocal and unwavering in his insistence that the suspects should be handed over to the Nigeria Police for immediate prosecution.”

“The full weight of the law must be tested in this particular case to serve as a deterrent to others who seek to undesirably, take advantage of the unprotected,” the statement added.

However, the university’s authorities also condemned the sexual assault on the students at a checkpoint between Akungba-Akoko and Ikare-Akoko.While commending the swift action of the Brigade Commander on the assault on a defenceless and innocent student, it urged the Nigerian Army to deal decisively with the perpetrator(s) of the act against humanity. “While we are not unaware of the security situation in the country, we strongly request that the checkpoint be dismantled and the soldiers moved to Oba-Akoko and Ose where kidnappings and robberies occur almost on a daily basis, Akinfemiwa said.