Students of the University of Jos have been directed to vacate their hostels following heightened security concerns in parts of Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, follows renewed tension in areas surrounding the university, raising fears over students’ safety on campus.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Madugu, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, ordered the immediate evacuation of students from the hostels as a precautionary measure.

“The Vice-Chancellor has directed the immediate evacuation of students from the university hostels in view of the general security situation and the near chaotic scenarios witnessed in areas close to the university,” the statement read.

The university management noted that the situation, which unfolded on Wednesday, heightened tension and posed a potential threat to students, necessitating urgent intervention.

To facilitate the evacuation, the Plateau State Government, under Caleb Mutfwang, provided transportation services for students, with approval for movement even during curfew hours.

“The evacuation is being facilitated by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, who has provided transport services fully authorised to operate within the curfew hours,” the statement added.

According to the schedule released, students residing within Jos and its environs were to be evacuated from Wednesday afternoon, while those whose parents or guardians live outside the city were scheduled for evacuation from Thursday morning.

Despite the development, the university reassured the public that adequate security had been deployed to safeguard the hostels and the institution at large.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured that management was exploring all means within its disposal to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of the university community.

Students and parents were urged to remain calm and comply with the evacuation arrangements as authorities continued to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

This development followed tension in Jos just hours after the easing of the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government in the wake of the deadly Sunday night attack in Anguwan Rukuba.

Reports indicated that sporadic violence broke out in parts of the city, with unconfirmed claims of fresh casualties. The situation triggered panic among residents, forcing traders who had earlier resumed business activities to abandon their shops and flee to safety.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as people fled for cover amid fears of renewed attacks. Security presence was said to be increasing in affected areas, although authorities had yet to officially confirm the latest developments.