UNIJOS Resumes Academic Activities After the Death of 2 Students, Strengthens Security

Professor Tanko Ishaya, the vice-chancellor of the University of Jos, has acknowledged that two students have died and three other university community members have been injured as a result of the Angwan Rukuba incident on March 29 and the ensuing violence near Bauchi Road.

Speaking during a press briefing at the university yesterday, the VC described the incidents as “deeply saddening,” and extended condolences to the affected families and the Angwan Rukuba community, where over 25 people were killed by unidentified gunmen.

On March 29, the attacks started, prompted the Plateau State Government to impose a 48‑hour curfew in Jos North. The University of Jos, which had commenced first‑semester examinations on March 16, was forced to reschedule examinations slated for March 30 and 31, and later those of April 1 and 2, in line with security directives.

 Although the curfew was relaxed on April 1, renewed violence erupted that same morning in areas close to the university, heightening tension among students and residents.

Professor Ishaya added that management had recommended students who wanted to travel during the Easter vacation to use busses supplied in coordination with security services. However, the move triggered an uncoordinated influx of evacuation vehicles from state governments, local governments, and private organisations.

 “While we appreciate their intentions, the process became counterproductive and created the impression that the university was unsafe,” he said, stressing that the institution was never closed and that many students and staff remained on campus throughout the crisis.

The VC provided a breakdown of those affected, which include Abel Joro Gershon, 300‑level Building student, shot on March 29, died on April 5 at JUTH ICU.

Ishaya Patrick, a 300-level Geography and Planning student, has sustained leg injuries and is seeking treatment at JUTH. Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, a Directorate of Student Affairs staff member, was shot in the thigh and is in the hospital.

On April 1, Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student, was slain after encountering violence on Bauchi Road while leaving university. After being stabilized at Ola Hospital, Longji Molshap Wurnnokol, a 300-level geology student, is presently undergoing treatment following an attack on Bauchi Road.

Two students lost their life, and a total of four pupils and one staff person were impacted.

Professor Ishaya disclosed that top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, and the GOC 3 Division visited the campus between April 1 and April 7 to assess the situation and strengthen security. He emphasised that no breach of peace occurred within any of the university’s campuses throughout the crisis

In order to give students who traveled further time to return, the VC reiterated that classes will resume on April 7 following the Easter vacation and that exams would commence on April 13. He assured parents and students that security has been significantly enhanced on campus, along access routes, and across the city.

Professor Ishaya thanked security services, JUTH, Ola Hospital, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, and community leaders for their assistance during the crisis