Plateau killings: Ogun, Kwara evacuate stranded UNIJOS students, corps members
By Modupe Shodeinde
Ogun State government has commenced the evacuation of students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who are indigenes of the state following the recent killings in Plateau State.
The Kwara State government took the same step in evacuating indigenes from Jos.
The Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Azeez Adeyemi, disclosed that the government had provided five buses and security escorts to bring back the students.
Adeyemi said the process was made possible by relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS).
He said, “In line with the policy of Prince Dapo Abiodun on the protection of lives and property of every Ogun State indigene, the governor has ordered the immediate evacuation of all indigenes of the state studying at the University of Jos.
“This followed the crisis which erupted as a result of the killing of four students of the institution.
“We have provided five buses and security escorts to bring our children back home safely.
“No indigene of this state will be allowed to suffer or be abandoned irrespective of their political or religious affiliations. They are Ogun people and it is our duty to ensure their safety.”
The NAOSS president, Oluwagbemileke Ogunrombi, made it known that the state government officials had already evacuated about 80 students and some corps members.
Similarly, the Kwara state government embarked on the evacuation of students following an appeal by the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS).
In a statement, NAKSS president, Muftau Mubarak Shittu, said the group had sought the assistance of the state government for the quick evacuation of the students.
“In lieu (sic) of the ugly incident in Jos, the leadership of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) sought the support of the Kwara State government to assist with vehicles and convey Kwara indigenes schooling in Jos back home, which was then given quick attention in safeguarding lives and property of the students.
“As of the time of writing this report, the students are on their way back to Kwara State.”
In the face of insecurity situation in some parts of Jos, the management of the University of Jos had directed the suspension of the ongoing second semester examination for the 2019/2020 academic session. About four students have also been reportedly lost to the attacks.
