No fewer than 236 Lagos State students have been safely evacuated from Jos, Plateau State, following rising insecurity and threats to lives, the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) has said.
The emergency evacuation followed a distress call received on Wednesday at about 11:45 a.m. from a student in Jos, who raised alarm over worsening security conditions and imminent danger.
“Ejooor oh. I wanna live and also my people oh. Jos is hot now, Sir,” the student reportedly said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Acting swiftly, NULASS National President, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, constituted a five-member emergency response committee led by the Vice President II (Diaspora), Comrade Oluwadarasimi Lawal, to coordinate rescue efforts.
The committee immediately engaged relevant authorities, including the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr Olawale Samuel Kappo, to facilitate a safe evacuation.
At the University of Jos, the Dean of Student Affairs provided a verified database of 602 Lagos indigenes and residents. However, only 236 students were successfully processed for evacuation through a digital registration platform, amid panic and communication disruptions.
As the security situation deteriorated, arrangements were concluded for their immediate movement out of Jos, with security support provided by the Plateau State Police Command. Armed officers reportedly escorted the students out of the volatile areas.
The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, ensured the provision of buses and stipends to support the students throughout the journey.
The students departed Jos under tight security and arrived in Lagos safely on Sunday evening without any reported incident.
On arrival, they were received by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Kasali Adeniran, and the SSA to the Governor on Student Affairs, alongside members of the NULASS National Executive.
NULASS commended the Lagos State Government for its swift response and coordination, singling out Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as key officials, including the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlede, and other stakeholders, for prioritising the safety of students.
The union also praised members of its emergency response committee for their dedication to 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.
