UNIJOS evacuates students from hostels as fear of fresh violence grips Jos

The University of Jos has ordered the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels following renewed violence in parts of Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The directive, issued on Wednesday, came amid reports of attacks in some neighbourhoods of the city, raising fresh concerns about the safety of students and staff.

In a circular signed by the Deputy Registrar Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said the decision followed a review of the prevailing security situation in Plateau State, where tensions have remained high in recent days.

The university announced a phased evacuation plan. Students whose parents or guardians live within Jos and its environs are to be evacuated from 3 p.m. on Wednesday, while those whose parents or guardians reside outside the city will leave on Thursday.

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The management said the evacuation would be supported by the Plateau State Government, noting that Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved the use of vehicles beyond curfew hours to ease the process.

“Security arrangements have been strengthened to protect university hostels and facilities during the evacuation period,” the statement said.

It added that the vice-chancellor had reassured stakeholders that the university was exploring all possible measures to guarantee the safety of the institution’s community.

The development follows a deadly attack on Sunday night in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed dozens of residents.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the Gari Ya Waye settlement between 7:30 and 8 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee. Governor Mutfwang later put the death toll at 28, describing the incident as a senseless attack on law-abiding citizens.

Many of the injured were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

READ ALSO: Fresh violence erupts in Plateau communities as government relaxes curfew

The attack has heightened fear across Jos, particularly within and around the University of Jos, which has a large population of students and staff living in nearby communities.

Earlier on Wednesday, distress messages circulated on social media, with calls for security agencies to intervene as students reportedly remained trapped in hostels amid the violence.

The University of Jos Alumni Association also issued a statement expressing concern over rising tension and reported threats affecting students, staff and residents within Jos North Local Government Area.