University of Jos Orders Student Evacuation After Bandit Attack

The University of Jos in Plateau State ordered the immediate evacuation of all students from campus hostels on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, amid escalating security threats in the state capital following a deadly bandit attack and subsequent unrest near the institution.

The directive came from Vice-Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya, who cited the general security situation in Jos and near-chaotic scenarios unfolding in adjacent areas that day, which heightened risks to students. The move followed a suspected bandit assault on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the neighboring Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area. Gunmen, reportedly arriving in a Sharon bus and dressed in military-style attire, opened fire around 7:30 p.m. on Palm Sunday, targeting residents in a busy market area. The attack killed at least 28 people and injured several others, sparking widespread outrage.

Among the victims were two university students, Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level Geography and Planning major, and Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student, along with staff member Mr. Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, a hall officer at the Postgraduate Hostel. On Tuesday, Ishaya visited the survivors at...