Plateau crisis: Benue govt begins evacuation of indigenous UNIJOS students

The Benue State Government has initiated the relocation of its indigenes studying at the University of Jos following rising tension in Plateau State.

The move comes after the institution’s management granted approval in the wake of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, where about 28 persons were reportedly killed.

Reports indicate that no fewer than 600 students were evacuated on Thursday, while additional batches of those willing to return to Benue are scheduled for evacuation over the weekend.

This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, who confirmed that the evacuation exercise began on Thursday.

Part of the statement reads, “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 action became necessary to protect lives, particularly those of students studying away from home.

“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 safeguarding lives and property remains a top priority of his administration.

He also revealed ongoing discussions with his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, noting that efforts are underway to ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice and peace is restored.

Meanwhile, authorities at the University of Jos had earlier postponed first semester examinations and ordered students to vacate hostels and surrounding areas immediately after the Angwan Rukuba attack on April 2, 2026.