The Nasarawa State Government has begun the evacuation of its indigenes studying at the University of Jos, following renewed violence and heightened security tensions in Jos, Plateau State.
Vehicles conveying the students arrived in Jos on Wednesday, as the state government, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Students Association, NASSA, moved swiftly to relocate them to safety.
The evacuation comes amid a resurgence of unrest across parts of the Plateau State capital after the relaxation of a 48-hour curfew earlier imposed in the Jos North Local Government Area.
The curfew had been declared following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, where gunmen killed at least 28 residents.
Although the Plateau State Government later eased the restriction to allow movement between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., the decision failed to restore calm, as hoodlums reportedly launched fresh attacks on motorists and pedestrians in several parts of the city.
Areas most affected include the UNIJOS axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction and Chobe, where incidents of vandalism and violence triggered widespread panic.
Eyewitnesses said a young man was killed along a road leading to the university’s Permanent Site, while several vehicles were damaged in coordinated attacks.
The renewed violence paralysed economic activities, forcing many businesses and banks to shut down in affected areas.
While reacting to the deteriorating situation, the University of Jos Alumni Association expressed concern over threats to students and staff, urging authorities to strengthen security presence around campuses, hostels and major access routes.
“We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed,” said the association’s Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki.
Residents also called for increased deployment of security personnel, particularly around student-populated areas, warning that the situation could worsen if not urgently addressed.
Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum has also condemned the killings in Angwan Rukuba, describing the attack as “dastardly and heartless.”
The group urged authorities to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible, while also demanding an investigation into the alleged delayed response by security agencies.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Jos to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the recent attacks.
Tinubu was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, top government officials and security chiefs.
The President is expected to meet with community leaders and stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and find a lasting solution to the recurring violence in the state.
