UNIJOS Orders Student Evacuation Amid Jos Security Tensions
The University of Jos has instructed all students to immediately leave its hostels following escalating security tensions in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, comes after renewed violence earlier in the day, during which several people were reportedly attacked and killed in different parts of the city.
The university stated that the decision to evacuate students was made after a thorough assessment of the prevailing security situation. In a circular signed by the Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations), Emmanuel Madugu, on behalf of the Registrar, the institution said the evacuation would be conducted in two phases.
According to the circular, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has provided transport to facilitate the evacuation, with vehicles authorised to operate beyond curfew hours.
“Students whose parents or guardians reside within Jos and its environs will be evacuated on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m., while those whose parents or guardians live outside Jos and its environs will be evacuated on Thursday,” the circular stated.
The university management assured students and the wider university community that adequate security measures have been put in place to protect the hostels and campus facilities. The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to explore all options to ensure the safety of the institution.
This move comes days after a deadly attack in the Anguwan Rukuba community that claimed several lives. The incident led authorities to impose a curfew in Jos North Local Government Area and prompted the postponement of university examinations.
