In response to growing security concerns in Plateau state, at least seven state governments have evacuated at least 1,630 students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
Recall that on March 29, suspected bandits launched violent attacks on a popular bar in Angwan Rukuba, Jos north LGA, shooting sporadically, with at least 28 people confirmed dead and several left injured afterwards.
Following the incident, the state administration implemented a 48-hour curfew in the impacted local government as a result of the attack’s social media outcry.
The state’s governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and information commissioner Joyce Lohya Ramnap both denounced the attack, calling it “barbaric and unprovoked.”
Due to its proximity to the affected community, the management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) suspended all examinations scheduled for the week, rescheduling them until after the Easter celebration.
As tensions in the state increased on Wednesday, the institution also issued an order for students to evacuate their dorms immediately.
According to reports, over the previous five days, around seven state governments have evacuated their indigenous people from the institution in accordance with the mandate.
Due to security concerns, the Delta state administration stated on Monday that 34 indigenous people in the state would be evacuated.
Sunday Onoriode, the state director of protocol, stated that the evacuation was required after the university’s administration closed.
Citing the deteriorating security situation, the Lagos state administration also announced on Sunday that it had evacuated more than 230 students.
Similarly, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sent a convoy of buses with security escorts to enable the safe return of impacted students to Lagos, according to a statement from Mamud Hassan, director of public affairs at the state ministry of tertiary education.
MORE EVACUATIONS FROM UNIJOS
Additionally, Adamawa State evacuated roughly 120 indigenous people from the campus on Saturday. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s top press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, stated that the evacuation was carried out under strict security.
The state administration evacuated 37 students from UNIJOS, according to a statement released on Saturday by Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, the governor of Cross River’s special advisor on student affairs.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Benue state government also said it had evacuated 600 indigenes from the university over security concerns.
In a statement, Tersoo Kula, chief press secretary to the state 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”.
Other states including Bauchi and Nasarawa have also evacuated 64 and 545 students respectively.
In a statement, Kango said the intervention followed a distress call from the president of the National Union of Bauchi State Students, Mohammed Suleiman, who alerted authorities that the students were trapped in their hostels due to the unrest.
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