Students of the University of Jos have been evacuated to the Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, Plateau State, following the closure of the institution amid rising security concerns in the state capital.

Students have begun leaving their hostels, carrying their luggage. Some were seen at the Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, walking in small groups and gathering in clusters as they made their way to their final destinations.

Channels TV gathered that the Plateau State Government provided transportation to assist in evacuating the students from the university to the Old Airport Roundabout.

The evacuation comes after university authorities, on Wednesday, directed students to vacate their hostels as tensions escalated in parts of Jos, raising fears over their safety.

In a statement earlier issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, the Vice-Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, ordered the immediate evacuation of students as a precautionary measure.

“The Vice Chancellor has directed the immediate evacuation of students from the university hostels in view of the general security situation and the near chaotic scenarios witnessed in areas close to the university,” the statement read.

According to the university management, the situation, which intensified on Wednesday, posed a potential threat to students, necessitating urgent intervention.

To ensure a smooth evacuation process, the Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, provided transportation services for affected students. The vehicles were authorised to operate even during curfew hours.

The university reassured the public that adequate security had been deployed across the campus to safeguard its facilities.

“Adequate security has been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the university at large,” the statement noted, adding that management is working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of the university community.

The evacuation follows renewed unrest in Jos, just hours after the relaxation of a 48-hour curfew earlier imposed by the state government in the wake of the deadly Angwan Rukuba attack.

On Sunday night, March 29, gunmen reportedly opened fire at a busy junction in the area, killing at least 28 people, including some university students and staff.

In the aftermath of the attack, reports indicate that sporadic violence broke out in parts of the city, with incidents recorded around areas and near the university.

There were also reports of fresh casualties. Although security presence has increased across affected areas, concerns remain over the fragile situation, with residents calling for sustained intervention to prevent further escalation.

Authorities have urged calm as efforts continue to stabilise the state and restore order. (Channels TV)

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