At least seven state governments have evacuated no fewer than 1,630 students from the University of Jos amid rising security concerns in Plateau State.
The move follows a deadly March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, where suspected bandits opened fire at a bar, leaving at least 28 people dead and several others injured.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked”.
In response to the escalating tension, UNIJOS suspended examinations and ordered students to vacate hostels. Several state governments subsequently began evacuating their indigenes.
Among them, the Lagos State government evacuated over 230 students, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deploying buses with security escorts for their safe return.
Other states, including Benue State, Adamawa State, Cross River State, Bauchi State, Nasarawa State, and Delta State, also carried out evacuations over the past few days.
Benue governor Hyacinth Alia said, “This decision became necessary as it concerns the lives and welfare of our people, especially the future leaders studying outside the state”.
Authorities say the evacuations were prompted by growing fears for student safety following the unrest.