Cross River Governor Evacuates 37 Students from UNIJOS Amid Jos Crisis
In a decisive move aligned with his "People First" philosophy, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has successfully evacuated 37 indigenous students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS). This urgent operation was initiated in response to a surge of deadly violence in Plateau State, which has severely disrupted academic life and created a perilous environment for students.
Immediate Response to Distress Calls
The evacuation was prompted by distress calls received on April 1, 2026, as students reported an atmosphere of fear, killings, and uncertainty due to escalating communal clashes near the university campus. According to accounts, the situation had transformed the academic setting into a "zone of anxiety and survival," compelling swift governmental action.
Upon being briefed on the deteriorating security conditions, Governor Otu reportedly directed the immediate mobilization of resources to ensure the safe extraction of all affected students. "The governor did not hesitate," stated Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, who led the rescue team. "He gave a firm directive: mobilize, deploy, and ensure the safe evacuation of every Cross River student back home until normalcy is restored."
Logistics and Security Coordination
The rescue team, which included the Senate President of the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS WW), arrived in Jos on Friday morning after an overnight journey. They were met by the Chief Security Officer of the University of Jos and the Plateau State Security Adviser, Gen. Shipi Gakji (retd.), who provided two fully equipped security vans to escort the evacuation convoy through volatile areas.
Describing the scene in Jos, Enyam noted that the streets were largely deserted, with tension palpably high. "What we saw was sobering," Enyam recounted. "Jos was unusually quiet… the scars of violence were evident. We moved into high-risk areas, including Angwa Rukuba, street by street and house by house to locate our students."
Successful Extraction and Emotional Reunion
The mission successfully extracted 37 students who were residing in off-campus housing. Eyewitnesses described emotional scenes as students were reached by the government convoy. "The relief in their eyes, the tears, and the gratitude were overwhelming," Enyam said. "Many had lost hope and resigned to fate. But in that moment, they knew that their government had not forgotten them."
The Cross River State Government has expressed its gratitude to the management of the University of Jos, the Plateau State security apparatus, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, for their crucial roles in facilitating the logistics of the mission. Addressing the students directly, the Special Assistant emphasized: "You are not alone. Your safety, your future, and your well-being remain our utmost priority."
Future Steps and Academic Disruption
While academic activities at the University of Jos remain disrupted, the Cross River State Government maintains that the students will stay home until a total restoration of peace is confirmed by security agencies. This evacuation underscores the state's commitment to protecting its citizens amid regional instability, ensuring that education and safety are prioritized in times of crisis.
