Students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have been evacuated to the Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, Plateau State, following the closure of the institution over growing security concerns in the state capital.
Several students were seen leaving their hostels with their belongings, moving in small groups and gathering at designated points as they made their way to safer locations and onward destinations.
The evacuation followed a directive issued on Wednesday by the university management ordering all students residing in hostels to vacate the premises immediately due to the worsening security situation in parts of Jos.
In an official statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students and staff.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed the immediate evacuation of students from the university hostels in view of the general security situation and the near chaotic scenarios witnessed in areas close to the university,” the statement said.
According to the management, the tension which intensified on Wednesday posed a significant threat to the safety of students, making urgent intervention necessary.
To support the evacuation exercise, the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang provided transportation services for affected students. The vehicles were granted permission to operate even during the curfew hours to ensure the safe movement of students out of the campus environment.
The university management also assured the public that adequate security personnel had been deployed across the institution to protect hostels and other university facilities.
“Adequate security has been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the university at large,” the statement added.
Management further stated that efforts are ongoing to restore calm and guarantee the safety of the entire university community.
The development comes amid renewed unrest in Jos, barely hours after the state government relaxed the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed following the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba.
On Sunday night, March 29, suspected gunmen reportedly opened fire at a busy junction in the area, killing no fewer than 28 persons, including some students and staff members of the university.
Following the attack, reports indicated that sporadic violence erupted in several parts of the city, including areas surrounding the university community.
There have also been reports of fresh casualties, further heightening tension among residents.
Although security presence has since been reinforced across the affected areas, concerns remain over the fragile security situation, with residents calling for sustained government intervention to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to remain calm as efforts intensify to restore peace and order in the state.
UNIJOS Students Evacuated as Security Tensions Escalate in Jos
