Security Crisis: Delta State Government Evacuates 34 UNIJOS Students Following Plateau Unrest
The Delta State Government has successfully evacuated 34 indigenes of the state studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following a sharp decline in the security situation in Plateau State.
The students, who arrived safely in Delta over the weekend, were formally received on Sunday, April 5, 2026, by the State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
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Preemptive Action Amid Campus Shutdown
The evacuation was triggered by the recent wave of violence in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North, which reportedly claimed at least 27 lives on March 29. In response to the escalating tension and “near chaotic scenarios” near the university gates, the UNIJOS management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya, ordered an immediate shutdown of academic activities and the vacation of hostels on April 1st.
Speaking during the reception of the students, Chief Onoriode stated that the proactive move was necessary to ensure no Delta indigene fell victim to the unrest.
“The safety of our students, regardless of where they are studying in Nigeria, remains a top priority for this administration. Following the closure of the university, Governor Oborevwori immediately approved logistics to bring our children home,” Onoriode said.
A Challenging Journey Home
The exercise was coordinated by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Ezekiel Okoh, who noted that moving students under strict curfew conditions in Jos was a logistical challenge. However, through collaboration with security agencies and transport operators, the 34 students were moved out of the volatile zone without incident.
Comrade Newton Miracle, Vice President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), UNIJOS Chapter, expressed deep gratitude to the state government.
“It wasn’t easy moving under those conditions, but we are grateful to the Governor for listening to our distress calls and acting swiftly,” he remarked.
The crisis in Plateau has drawn national attention, with President Bola Tinubu visiting Jos last Thursday to announce the deployment of over 5,000 AI-enabled security cameras to monitor the state capital. Other states, including Bauchi, have also evacuated their students (64 in total) as the university remains closed indefinitely.
The Delta State Government has assured parents that it will continue to monitor the situation in Plateau. Students have been advised to remain at home and await official communication from the University of Jos regarding the resumption of academic activities, which will only occur once security agencies certify the area as safe.