Two hundred and thirty six Lagos State students have been evacuated from Jos, Plateau State, following threats to lives, National Union of Lagos State Students, (NULASS), has said.
The evacuation followed a distress call from a student in Jos, who alerted to worsening insecurity and threat to life.
“Ejooor oh. I wanna live and my people oh. Jos is hot now Sir,” he reportedly said.
National President, Hafiz Olufowobi, constituted a five-member emergency response committee, led by Vice President II (Diaspora), Oluwadarasimi Lawal, to coordinate rescue efforts.
The committee engaged relevant authorities, including Ministry of Tertiary Education through Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Student Affairs, Mr. Olawale Kappo, to facilitate a safe evacuation.
At University of Jos, dean of Student Affairs provided a verified database of 602 Lagos indigenes and residents.
However, 236 students were processed for evacuation through a digital registration platform, amid panic and communication disruptions.
As the security situation deteriorated, arrangements were concluded for their movement out of Jos, with support by Plateau State Police Command. Armed officers escorted the students.
Lagos State, through Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, provided buses and stipends to support them throughout the journey.
They departed Jos under tight security and arrived in Lagos safely Sunday evening.
On arrival, they were received by top government officials, including the commissioner, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kasali Adeniran, and the senior special assistant, with NULASS national executive.
The union lauded the government’s swift response and coordination, singling out Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as Commissioner for Youth, Mobolaji Ogunlede, and other stakeholders, for prioritising safety of students.
The union also praised members of its emergency response committee for their dedication in ensuring the success of the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to student welfare, NULASS called on state governments across the country to take proactive measures to safeguard their citizens, particularly students, in times of crisis.
