STUDENTS of the University of Jos have been directed to vacate their hostels following heightened security concerns in parts of Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the decision, announced on Wednesday, comes amid renewed tension in areas surrounding the university, raising fears over the safety of students on campus.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, the Vice Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, ordered the immediate evacuation of students from hostels 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 said.
The university management noted that the situation, which unfolded on Wednesday, heightened tension and posed a potential threat to students, necessitating urgent intervention.
To facilitate the exercise, the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has provided transportation services for students, with approval for movement even during curfew hours.
“The evacuation is being facilitated by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services fully authorised to operate within the curfew hours,” the statement added.
According to the schedule released, students residing within Jos and its environs were to be evacuated starting from Wednesday afternoon, while those whose parents or guardians live outside the city are scheduled for evacuation from Thursday morning.
Despite the development, the university reassured the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to protect the institution.
“Adequate security has been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the university at large,” the statement noted.
The Vice Chancellor also assured that management is actively working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of the university community.
“Management is exploring all means within its disposal to ensure that the university is safe,” the statement added.
Students and parents have been urged to remain calm and comply with the evacuation arrangements, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.
This comes shortly after tension erupted in Jos just hours following the easing of the 48-hour curfew imposed by the the Plateau State Government in the wake of the deadly Sunday night attack in Anguwan Rukuba.
Reports indicate that sporadic violence broke out in parts of the city, with unconfirmed claims of fresh casualties.
The situation has triggered panic among residents, forcing traders who had earlier resumed business activities to abandon their shops and flee to safety.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of confusion as people fled for cover amid fears of renewed attacks.
Security presence is said to be increasing in affected areas, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the latest developments.