Bauchi Government Evacuates 64 UNIJOS Students as Jos Crisis Claims 27 Lives

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has safely evacuated 64 students of the University of Jos following the crisis that erupted in Anguwan Rukuba, which reportedly claimed 27 lives.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Hajia Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, while receiving the students at the Government House, Bauchi, in the early hours of Friday.

Kango explained that she received a distress call from the President of the National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS), Mohammed Suleiman, regarding the situation of the students who were trapped in their hostels due to the crisis and responded promptly.

“For me to know about the situation of these students started with the NUBASS President, Mohammed Suleiman, who first drew my attention to it. When he alerted me, I immediately took action, and the government responded swiftly, giving us full support and cooperation to rescue the students,” she said.

She confirmed that the students arrived safely in Bauchi in the early hours of Friday.

“We stayed on ground to ensure their safe arrival, and we are now handing them over to their respective parents and guardians,” she added.

The Commissioner described the swift evacuation as a testament to the leadership style of Governor Bala Mohammed.

“We don’t need to say much about his concern for the people of the state. When I heard from the students that this might be the first-time students of UNIJOS were evacuated during a major crisis in Plateau State, I felt proud. The credit goes to our Executive Governor. It shows how much he cares for every citizen,” she stated.

She also expressed personal gratitude that the successful operation occurred during her tenure.

Kango advised the students to remain focused on their education and assured them of continued government support.

“Education is very important. The fact that they are students is what made us intervene quickly. I am also glad they stayed together, avoided trouble, and did not take part in the crisis. That shows they are responsible students. My advice is that they should maintain that conduct and remain committed to their studies,” she said.

Earlier, the NUBASS President, Comrade Mohammed Suleiman Abdulwahab, a student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University studying Architecture, confirmed that 64 students were evacuated.

“Due to the security challenges in Jos, the students reached out to me. I escalated the matter to the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Chief Security Adviser to the Governor.

“With their swift intervention, approval was granted, and buses were provided alongside security personnel to safely evacuate the students back to Bauchi,” he explained.

He commended the Bauchi State Government for its responsiveness to student welfare and security concerns.

“The world can see how the government has been proactive in addressing security challenges, including banditry in some parts of the state. The same prompt response was applied in this situation in Jos.

“The government has also consistently supported students through scholarships, both local and international. We are grateful for their dedication and timely intervention in student matters,” he added.