Plateau crisis: UNIJOS evacuates students from hostels

The University of Jos has ordered the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels following the worsening security situation in Jos, Plateau State.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.

The statement read, “In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today (Wednesday 1st April 2026), in areas near the university which heightened tensions and threatened the safety of students in the hostels, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya has directed the immediate evacuation of students of the university from the hostels.

“The evacuation is facilitated by HE Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services, fully authorised to carry out the assignment even within the curfew hours.”

Students residing within Jos and its environs were directed to vacate the hostels from 3 pm on Wednesday, while those whose parents or guardians live outside the state are to be evacuated from 8 am on Thursday

The management assured all that adequate security had been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the institution.

It also urged students and members of the university community to remain calm, adding that further updates would be communicated as necessary.

The development follows a recent deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community, which reportedly claimed several lives and heightened tensions across Jos.

The Plateau State Government had earlier imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to contain the situation, before easing it on Wednesday to allow movement between 7 am and 3 pm daily.

However, fresh panic was reported in parts of the city on Wednesday morning as hoodlums allegedly took advantage of the relaxation to attack motorists and residents.

Culled from punch