Panic in Jos as University orders mass student evacuation amid violence

The University of Jos has ordered the immediate evacuation of all students from campus hostels following a fresh outbreak of violence in parts of the Plateau State capital, just hours after authorities eased a 48-hour curfew imposed in the wake of a deadly attack over the weekend.

The decision, announced Wednesday by the university’s Deputy Registrar of Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, cited “the general security situation and the near chaotic scenarios witnessed in areas close to the university.”

Vice Chancellor Tanko Ishaya directed that the evacuation be carried out without delay, reflecting mounting anxiety over the safety of thousands of students residing on campus.

Reports from the city indicate sporadic violence erupted in several neighborhoods on Wednesday, triggering panic among residents.

Traders who had only recently reopened their shops following the relaxation of the curfew were seen abandoning their stalls and fleeing for safety.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as people scrambled to escape areas perceived to be under threat. Unconfirmed reports also suggested fresh casualties, though authorities had yet to issue official confirmation at the time of this report.

The unrest marks a troubling escalation after a deadly attack on Sunday night in the Anguwan Rukuba area, which prompted the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew.

The decision to relax restrictions earlier Wednesday appears to have been short-lived, as tensions resurfaced with renewed intensity.

In response, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration moved swiftly to assist the university’s evacuation efforts, providing transport services authorized to operate even during curfew hours.

According to the university’s schedule, students whose families reside within Jos and its environs were to begin evacuating Wednesday afternoon, while those from outside the city were slated for departure Thursday morning.

“Adequate security has been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the university at large,” the university’s statement assured, adding that management was “exploring all means within its disposal to ensure that the university is safe.”

Many students were seen Wednesday afternoon hurriedly packing belongings as security forces maintained a visible presence around the university perimeter.

As of Wednesday evening, authorities had not officially confirmed the nature or scale of the latest violence.