Plateau attack: Seven states evacuate 1,630 students from UNIJOS

UNIJOS

At least seven state governments have evacuated at least 1,630 students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following escalating security concerns in Plateau state.

On March 29, suspected bandits struck a popular bar in Angwan Rukuba, Jos north LGA, shooting sporadically, with at least 28 people confirmed dead and several left injured afterwards.

The attack sparked outrage on social media, prompting the state government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected local government.

Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the information commissioner, said Caleb Mutfwang, governor of the state, both condemned the attack, describing it as “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.

The university also ordered immediate evacuation of students from its hostels on Wednesday as tension heightened in the state.

Following the directive, about seven state governments have evacuated their indigenes from the university over the past five days.

On Monday, the Delta state government announced the evacuation of 34 indigenes of the state over security concerns.

According to Sunday Onoriode, the state director of protocol, the evacuation became necessary following the closure of the university by its management.