Plateau attack: Benue govt evacuates over 600 students from UNIJOS

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Hyacinth Alia-led administration has commenced the evacuation of students of Benue origin from the University of Jos following the recent deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba and surrounding communities in Jos, which claimed several lives and heightened tensions across the area.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the chief press secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula.

The university had earlier postponed its first semester examinations and ordered the immediate evacuation of students from hostels and surrounding areas beginning Thursday, April 2, 2026, in response to the deteriorating security situation.

Governor Alia, who directed the swift evacuation, said the move was necessary to safeguard the lives of Benue indigenes studying far from home.

“This decision became necessary as it concerns the lives and welfare of our people, especially the future leaders studying outside the state,” the governor stated.

According to the government, more than 600 students have already been successfully transported back to Benue State, with additional buses dispatched to evacuate remaining students and other indigenes willing to return amid ongoing tensions in Jos.

Governor Alia also reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to their safety, noting that he is in active discussions with his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, to restore peace and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

“We are working tirelessly with relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book and that normalcy is restored as soon as possible,” he added.

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