The Benue State Government has begun evacuating its indigenes studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following the recent deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba and nearby communities in Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, Governor Hyacinth Alia said the move was aimed at protecting the lives and well-being of Benue students amid rising tensions in the state capital.
“Following the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba and surrounding areas, which resulted in loss of lives and heightened tension in Jos, Governor Hyacinth Alia on Thursday, April 2, 2026, commenced the evacuation of Benue students studying at the University of Jos back to Benue State,” the statement read.
The governor noted that the decision became necessary due to the worsening security situation, particularly for young people studying far from home. He ordered the immediate evacuation, stressing that the safety and welfare of the students described as future leaders remain a top priority.
According to the statement, over 600 students have already been successfully evacuated, while additional buses have been deployed to transport the remaining students and other willing indigenes back to Benue.
The development followed the decision by the University of Jos management to suspend first-semester examinations and direct students to vacate hostels and other residential areas with effect from Thursday, April 2, 2026. The closure came after a deadly attack on Sunday, March 29, when gunmen opened fire at a busy junction in Jos, killing at least 28 people, including students and staff of the institution.
In the aftermath, sporadic violence erupted in parts of the city, particularly in communities around the university, further escalating tensions and raising security concerns. Although security has since been reinforced in affected areas, residents continue to express fears over the fragile situation and have called for sustained intervention to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu visited Jos on Thursday to commiserate with victims of the attack. He was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other top officials. During the visit, the President met with bereaved families at a hall near the airport, offering condolences and consoling a grieving mother seen in a widely circulated video.
Tinubu reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence, stating that such incidents would not recur. He also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to strengthen security and improve intelligence gathering.
As part of efforts to address the crisis, the President invited community leaders to Abuja for dialogue aimed at finding a lasting solution.
However, his decision to hold engagements at the airport instead of visiting affected communities or hospitals drew criticism from some residents, who described the move as lacking empathy. The Presidency attributed the decision to logistical challenges, including tight scheduling and flight restrictions requiring departure before dusk.
As tensions persist, authorities have urged residents to remain calm while efforts continue to restore peace and order across the state.
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