Benue Student Stranded After Alleged Evacuation Bus Promise Falls Short
A student from Benue State has described Thursday, April 2, as one of the worst days of his life after an alleged government evacuation effort left him and many others stranded in Jos, Plateau State. The incident followed deadly attacks by bandits in the area on Palm Sunday, which reportedly claimed at least 28 lives, heightening fears among students.
Promised Evacuation Turns to Disappointment
According to the student, Sufi Calamari, he and other Benue students were informed through a group chat that the Benue State Government had dispatched 50 buses and 100 security personnel to safely transport them home. The message, shared by the Committee of Tiv Students (CTS), sparked excitement and relief among the student community, who believed it would be sufficient for their evacuation.
"I was really excited seeing that message yesterday; students were really happy. '50 buses? That will be enough to take us home'," Sufi recounted. He noted that friends and family, including messages from Olamide Felix and Zeyeani, expressed concern and hope for the evacuation, urging him to take advantage of the opportunity.
Chaotic and Inadequate Response
Despite initial optimism, the reality on the ground was starkly different. Sufi reported arriving at a designated junction by 6:20 a.m., as instructed, only to wait for three hours before buses arrived. To his dismay, the number of buses fell far short of the promised 50.
"Funny they weren’t up to 50 like they promised. I said well since I’m here let me find my way in one," he said. After struggling to board, the buses took the students to a police barracks in Plateau State, where they wasted over an hour without progress. Drivers then received calls to pick up additional students, revealing that only 8 buses were available out of a fleet of 500 at Benue Links Park.
"Once I saw those 8 buses I knew that Omo not everyone is leaving. That’s how they went and brought other students, the barracks was full, how 8 buses wan take carry this people," Sufi lamented, highlighting the overcrowding and logistical failure.
Abandonment and Safety Concerns
The situation deteriorated further as security personnel, allegedly sent to escort the students, began complaining about hunger and wasted time by 2:00 p.m. Sufi described how they eventually fabricated excuses, transported only a few students home, and left the rest stranded at the park with instructions to find their own way back to school.
"At 5pm in Jos plateau state they told students who were safe where they were to find their way home. I laughed, what can I do?" he said. Forced to walk home alone, Sufi prayed for safety and was eventually assisted by strangers to reach Angwan Rukuba safely. He concluded with a frustrated remark about government ineptitude, reflecting widespread disillusionment.
This incident underscores broader issues of public safety and government accountability, particularly in regions plagued by banditry and communal conflicts. Students and residents continue to call for more reliable and transparent emergency responses to prevent such distressing scenarios in the future.
