UNIJOS orders emergency evacuation of students after deadly Plateau attack
The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has directed the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels following rising insecurity in Plateau State.
The decision comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, a community near the institution in Jos North Local Government Area, where at least 28 people were killed and several others injured by suspected bandits.
The violence, which triggered widespread outrage, led the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected area.
Reacting to the situation, Emmanuel Madugu, Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations), disclosed that two students and a staff member of the university were among those affected by the attack.
He said the Vice-Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, approved the evacuation as a precautionary measure due to escalating tension around the university environment.
“In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near-chaotic scenarios that unfolded… the Vice-Chancellor has directed the immediate evacuation of students from the hostels,” the statement read.
The evacuation is being carried out with support from Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who has provided transportation to move students safely despite the curfew.
According to the university, students residing within Jos will be evacuated from Wednesday afternoon, while those travelling outside the city will depart from Thursday morning.
Management assured that adequate security measures have been deployed to safeguard the campus and hostels, while urging students to remain calm.
The university had earlier postponed its 120th inaugural lecture, adjusted academic events, and suspended examinations scheduled for the week due to the deteriorating security situation.
