At least seven state governments have moved to evacuate 1,630 students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) amid rising security concerns in Plateau state.
On March 29, suspected bandits attacked a popular bar in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, firing sporadically and leaving at least 28 people confirmed dead alongside several injured. The incident sparked outrage on social media, prompting the state government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected area. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the information commissioner, said Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”
Owing to its closeness to the affected community, UNIJOS management suspended all examinations for the week, rescheduling them after the Easter period. The university also ordered the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels on Wednesday as tensions escalated.
Over the past five days, about seven state governments have evacuated their indigenes from the institution.
On Monday, the Delta state government announced the evacuation of 34 students, citing security concerns. Sunday Onoriode, the state director of protocol, explained that the move followed the university’s closure. On Sunday, Lagos state also evacuated over 230 students. Mamud Hassan, director of public affairs at the state ministry of tertiary education, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deployed a convoy of buses with security escorts to ensure their safe return.
more evacuations
On Saturday, Adamawa state evacuated about 120 students under heavy security, according to Humwashi Wonosikou, chief press secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Cross River state moved 37 students, as confirmed by Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, special assistant on student affairs to the governor.
On Friday, Benue state evacuated 600 students. Tersoo Kula, chief press secretary to the governor, quoted Hyacinth Alia as saying, “This decision became necessary as it concerns the lives and welfare of our people, especially the future leaders studying outside the state.” Bauchi state evacuated 64 students the same day, following a distress call from the president of the National Union of Bauchi State Students, Mohammed Suleiman, alerting authorities that students were trapped in their hostels.
Three days after the Rukuba attack, Nasarawa state evacuated 545 students in coordination with the leadership of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA).