Multiple States Evacuate 735 Students from UNIJOS Amid Rising Insecurity
In a coordinated response to escalating violence and killings in Plateau State, several state governments have evacuated a total of 735 students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS). This mass evacuation follows a terrorist attack on the Angwan Rukuba community during Palm Sunday, which resulted in over 24 deaths and dozens of injuries, prompting the university management to shut down academic activities and approve student evacuations as of April 2, 2026.
Delta State's Proactive Safety Measures
The Delta State government has evacuated no fewer than 34 students from UNIJOS, describing the move as a proactive safety measure in light of the deteriorating security situation. During a reception for the returning students, the State Director of Protocol, Sunday Onoriode, commended the swift intervention approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He noted that the operation was effectively coordinated by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Ezekiel Okoh.
Onoriode explained that the decision to evacuate the students became necessary due to the university's closure and rising insecurity, expressing relief that all affected students returned safely. He highlighted this action as a reflection of responsive governance and strong coordination. Earlier, Okoh disclosed that the evacuation followed a directive issued after UNIJOS announced a temporary shutdown due to security concerns.
A student representative and Vice President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), University of Jos chapter, Newton Miracle, described the exercise as both challenging and timely, emphasizing its importance for student safety.
Cross River State's Compassionate Rescue Mission
Similarly, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has successfully rescued 37 students studying at UNIJOS. His Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, disclosed this in a statement from Calabar, detailing how they received distressing calls from students filled with fear due to reports of insecurity and killings.
Enyam stated that Governor Otu, upon being briefed, immediately gave a firm directive to mobilize, deploy, and ensure the safe evacuation of every Cross River student back home until normalcy is restored. He personally led the team to Plateau State, accompanied by the Senate President of NACRISS Worldwide, arriving in Jos in the early hours of Friday.
Giving more details about the rescue mission, Enyam said, "We moved into high-risk areas, including Angwa Rukuba, where a number of our students resided off campus. Street by street, house by house, we located them, reassured them, and safely evacuated them under security escort."
Earlier Evacuations by Benue and Bauchi States
Earlier at the weekend, the Benue and Bauchi state governments had evacuated 664 students from the same institution. This evacuation was directly linked to the terrorist attack on Angwan Rukuba, which left over 24 persons dead and many injured when armed men stormed the area in Jos North, unleashing mayhem on residents.
The management of UNIJOS had, after the attack, postponed the first semester examination and approved the immediate evacuation of all students from hostels and other areas. While the Benue State government evacuated 600 students who are indigenes, Bauchi State temporarily pulled out 64 students of Bauchi origin from the tertiary institution.
Kogi State Joins Evacuation Efforts
In a related development, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has ordered the evacuation of Kogi students from UNIJOS. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, the governor explained that the decision was taken as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Kogi indigenes studying in Plateau State, further underscoring the widespread concern over security in the region.
This collective action by multiple state governments highlights the severe impact of insecurity on educational institutions and the urgent steps being taken to protect students amidst ongoing violence in Plateau State.
