The Delta State Government has evacuated 34 of its indigenes studying at the University of Jos following the recent wave of violence in Plateau State that led to the loss of several lives and forced the temporary closure of the institution.
The evacuation exercise was carried out as part of the state government’s emergency response to ensure the safety of its students after the university management announced the suspension of academic activities due to the deteriorating security situation around the campus and nearby communities.
Receiving the evacuated students on their return, the Delta State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, said the state government acted swiftly to protect the lives of its citizens studying in the troubled area.
Onoriode explained that the decision to bring the students back home became necessary after the school authorities shut down the institution following the deadly attacks that rocked parts of Plateau State.
He expressed relief that the students arrived safely in Delta State, noting that the evacuation exercise demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Delta indigenes wherever they may be across the country.
According to him, the prompt coordination between the state government and relevant authorities helped ensure the smooth transportation of the students from Jos to Delta without any incident.
“We thank God that you have all returned home safely,” Onoriode said while addressing the students.
“We believe that with God’s intervention, peace will soon return to Plateau State. When the university reopens and the situation stabilises, you will go back to school and continue your studies without fear.”
He assured the students that the government remains committed to supporting them throughout their academic journey, stressing that the administration places high value on education and the wellbeing of young people from the state.
The protocol director also urged the students to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on their academic ambitions despite the disruption caused by the crisis.
He further advised them not to allow the unfortunate development to discourage them from pursuing their educational goals.
A representative of the students, Comrade Newton Miracle, who serves as Vice President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), University of Jos chapter, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for the swift intervention.
Miracle said the students were grateful for the prompt action taken by the government, noting that the evacuation provided relief to many parents who had been worried about the safety of their children in Jos following the violent attacks.
He also thanked the various officials and stakeholders who coordinated the exercise and ensured that the students travelled safely back to their home state.
According to him, the gesture demonstrated that the government truly cares about the welfare and security of its citizens, particularly students studying outside the state.
The student leader added that the evacuated students remain hopeful that peace will soon return to Plateau State so they can resume their studies and complete their academic programmes without further disruption.
The evacuation comes amid heightened tension in Plateau State following a series of attacks in some communities that resulted in multiple casualties and displacement of residents.
The security situation prompted authorities of the University of Jos to temporarily shut down the institution as a precautionary measure to protect students and staff.
The Delta State Government’s intervention is part of broader efforts by some state authorities to monitor and ensure the safety of their indigenes studying in areas affected by insecurity across Nigeria.
Observers say the move highlights growing concerns about student safety in parts of the country experiencing security challenges, as well as the increasing role state governments play in providing emergency support for their citizens studying outside their home states.
For the evacuated students, however, the priority remains their safety and the hope that normalcy will soon return to Jos so they can resume their academic activities at the University of Jos
