UNIJOS Orders Mass Evacuation as Plateau Violence Escalates After Deadly Jos Attack

UNIJOS Orders Mass Evacuation as Plateau Violence Escalates After Deadly Jos Attack

The University of Jos has ordered the immediate evacuation of all students from its hostels following a surge in violence in Plateau State, triggered by a deadly attack on a nearby community that left at least 28 people dead and several others injured.

The directive, issued by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, marks one of the most drastic responses by a Nigerian tertiary institution to a security crisis in recent years. It comes amid growing fears that the violence, which erupted in Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, could spill further into areas populated by students and staff.

According to verified reports, the attack occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the community, opening fire on residents and causing widespread panic. The incident not only resulted in significant casualties but also heightened tensions across Jos, a city with a history of sporadic violence linked to both criminal and communal factors. 

Authorities confirmed that the proximity of Angwan Rukuba to the university made the situation particularly alarming. The area is known to house a large number of students and staff members, further intensifying concerns over the safety of the academic community. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, fear spread rapidly, with reports of unrest and uncertainty in surrounding neighborhoods.

The university management initially responded by suspending academic activities, including postponing examinations scheduled for March 30 and 31. Officials cited the need to protect students and allow security agencies to stabilize the situation. However, as tensions persisted and fresh security concerns emerged, authorities escalated their response by ordering a full evacuation of student hostels.

In a statement released by the Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, the institution said the decision was prompted by “near-chaotic scenarios” unfolding in areas close to the campus. These developments, the statement noted, posed a direct threat to students residing in university hostels and necessitated urgent action. 

The evacuation process was coordinated with the Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who facilitated transportation arrangements to ensure students could leave safely—even during curfew hours imposed to contain the unrest. Students living within Jos and nearby areas were directed to vacate immediately, while those from outside the state were scheduled for evacuation the following day. 

Officials also confirmed that members of the university community were directly affected by the violence. At least two students and one staff member were caught up in the attack, underscoring the personal toll of the incident and reinforcing the urgency of the evacuation directive. 

The Plateau State Government had earlier imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to restore order following the killings. Although the curfew was later relaxed to allow limited movement during daytime hours, reports indicated that insecurity persisted, with incidents of unrest and attacks on residents and motorists occurring even after the easing of restrictions. 

State authorities have condemned the Angwan Rukuba attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked,” and have pledged to bring those responsible to justice. However, the identities and motives of the attackers remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident and complicating efforts to prevent further violence.

Security agencies, including the police and military, have since increased their presence in affected areas, establishing checkpoints and conducting patrols aimed at deterring additional attacks. Despite these measures, the situation remains tense, with residents expressing fear of further violence.

The crisis has once again drawn attention to the fragile security landscape in Plateau State, where a combination of banditry, communal tensions, and criminal activity has led to periodic outbreaks of violence. Analysts note that while some attacks are linked to organized armed groups, others are rooted in longstanding disputes over land, identity, and political representation.

For the University of Jos, the impact of the crisis has been immediate and far-reaching. Beyond the evacuation, the institution has also rescheduled key academic events, including its 120th inaugural lecture and the induction ceremony for pharmacy students, reflecting the broader disruption caused by the insecurity. 

Students affected by the evacuation have described scenes of confusion and anxiety, as many were forced to leave campus on short notice without clear information on when normal activities would resume. Some have returned to their hometowns, while others are seeking temporary accommodation in safer areas.

Parents and guardians have also expressed concern over the safety of their children, calling on both university authorities and the government to implement stronger security measures to protect educational institutions. Education stakeholders warn that repeated disruptions of this nature could have long-term implications for academic stability and student welfare.

The incident has also attracted national attention, with senior government officials reportedly monitoring developments closely. The scale of the attack and its proximity to a major federal university have raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security frameworks and the need for more proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences.

Experts argue that while emergency responses such as evacuations are necessary in times of crisis, they highlight deeper systemic challenges that require sustained attention. These include improving intelligence gathering, strengthening community policing, and addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to the recruitment of individuals into violent networks.

As investigations into the Angwan Rukuba attack continue, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, the University of Jos has assured students and staff that it is working closely with security agencies to assess the situation and determine when it will be safe for academic activities to resume.

For now, the evacuation stands as a stark reminder of how insecurity can disrupt not only communities but also critical institutions such as universities. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether stability can be restored in Jos and whether displaced students can safely return to campus.

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