The Benue State Government has begun relocating its indigenes studying at the University of Jos, Plateau State, following recent security concerns in the area.
The move comes after the university’s management approved the evacuation in the wake of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, where about 28 people were reportedly killed.
Authorities confirmed that approximately 600 students were transported out of Jos on Thursday, while arrangements have been made to evacuate more students who have indicated interest in returning to Benue over the weekend.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kula Tersoo. He noted that the evacuation exercise officially commenced on Thursday.
The statement read in part, “Following the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba and surrounding areas, which claimed lives and triggered widespread tension in Jos, Plateau State, Governor Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, commenced evacuation of students of Benue origin, studying at the University of Jos, back to Benue State.”
According to the statement, the decision was taken to protect the lives and well-being of the students, described as future leaders pursuing their education away from home.
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“Already, over 600 students of Benue origin have been successfully evacuated back home with another batch of buses deployed to Jos, to help evacuate the remaining set of students and other indigenes of the state willing to return home, given the current tension in the capital city,” the statement further read.
Governor Hyacinth Alia reassured residents that his administration remains committed to safeguarding their security and welfare.
He added that discussions were ongoing with the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, as efforts continue to apprehend those responsible for the attack and restore calm.
Meanwhile, the University of Jos management had earlier postponed its first semester examinations and directed students to vacate hostels and surrounding residential areas with immediate effect, beginning Thursday, April 2, 2026, following the incident.