…Over 1,600 Evacuated By Seven States In Five Days
…Students Flee Hostels Amid Rising Tension
No fewer than seven state governments have evacuated at least 1,630 students of the University of Jos amid escalating insecurity in Plateau State following a deadly attack that has heightened fear across the region.
The coordinated evacuations, led by Lagos and Delta states, followed the March 29 assault on a relaxation spot in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire, killing at least 28 persons and leaving several others injured.
The attack, which triggered widespread outrage, forced the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected area as authorities scrambled to contain the fallout.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, through the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the incident as “barbaric and unprovoked,” directing security agencies to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents.
Amid mounting tension, the management of the University of Jos suspended ongoing examinations and ordered students to vacate hostels, citing security concerns due to the institution’s proximity to the troubled community.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES showed that within five days of the incident, no fewer than seven states had mobilised resources to evacuate their indigenes from the institution.
The Lagos State Government confirmed the evacuation of over 230 students, deploying buses with security escorts to guarantee their safe return.
Similarly, the Delta State Government evacuated 34 students, attributing the move to the temporary closure of the university and the prevailing security threats in the area.
Other states also undertook emergency evacuations. Adamawa State moved about 120 students under tight security, while Cross River State relocated 37 of its indigenes.
Benue State carried out one of the largest operations, evacuating about 600 students. Governor Hyacinth Alia said the action was taken to safeguard the lives and future of the students.
“This decision became necessary as it concerns the lives and welfare of our people, especially the future leaders studying outside the state,” he said.
Bauchi State evacuated 64 students following distress calls indicating that many were trapped in hostels during the unrest, while Nasarawa State relocated 545 students in collaboration with the state students’ association.
The mass evacuation has underscored deepening concerns over the safety of students and residents in Plateau State, as authorities continue efforts to stabilise the security situation.
As of press time, security agencies had yet to announce any arrests in connection with the attack, while academic activities at the University of Jos remain suspended pending further review.
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