Jos Killings: Niger Evacuates its Students from University of Jos

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Following the recent killing of over 20 travellers in Plateau State and the attendant crisis that followed, the Niger State Government has ordered the immediate evacuation of its students from the University of Jos.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello gave the order yesterday evening in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel Berje.

According to the statement, the state government action became necessary because the university authority has been compelled to suspend the second semester examination for the 2019/2020 academic session.

The statement reads in part: “The state government said the action became necessary as the security situation has compelled the University Management to suspend the second semester examinations for the 2019/2020 academic session of the institution.

“Worried about the well-being of her citizens and for them not to be left stranded as well as become victims of circumstances, the state government through the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, made arrangements for vehicles and security personnel to ensure safe evacuation and return of the students.

“The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety of its citizens irrespective of their geopolitical locations.”

Governor Bello had earlier in the week, expressed fears that the Jos killings had the propensity of snowballing into a religious crisis thereby truncating the religious harmony that his colleague Simon Lalong has struggled to achieve in the state.

Bello’s fears were contained in a message he sent to Governor Lalong in which he commiserated with him and families of those killed and injured.