By Kelvin Obambon
In a daring mission, the Cross River State Government has successfully evacuated 37 of its indigenes studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following a wave of deadly violence that has gripped the Plateau State capital.
The operation, in the early hours of Friday, was sparked by a “distressing” series of calls received on April 1, 2026. Students reported an environment of extreme fear, killings, and uncertainty, as communal clashes near the university campus turned the academic area into a “zone of anxiety and survival.”
Upon being briefed on the deteriorating situation, Governor Bassey Otu reportedly issued an immediate directive to mobilize and deploy resources to ensure no Cross Riverian was left behind.
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“His Excellency did not hesitate,” said Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, who personally led the rescue team. “He gave a firm directive: mobilize, deploy, and ensure the safe evacuation of every Cross River student back home until normalcy is restored.”
The rescue team, which included the Senate President of the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS WW), arrived in Jos on Friday morning after a night of travel. They were met by the Chief Security Officer of the University of Jos and the Plateau State Security Adviser, Gen. Shipi Gakji (Rtd), who provided two fully equipped security vans to escort the evacuation convoy through volatile neighborhoods.
Describing the scene in Jos, Enyam noted that the streets were deserted and the tension was “palpable.”
“What we saw was sobering,” Enyam stated. “Jos was unusually quiet… the scars of violence were evident. We moved into high-risk areas, including Angwa Rukuba, street by street and house by house to locate our students.”
The mission successfully extracted 37 students who were residing in off-campus housing. Eyewitnesses described emotional scenes as students were reached by the government convoy.
“The relief in their eyes, the tears, and the gratitude were overwhelming,” Enyam recounted. “Many had lost hope and resigned to fate. But in that moment, they knew that their government had not forgotten them.”
The State Government has expressed its gratitude to the management of the University of Jos, the Plateau State security apparatus, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, for their roles in the logistics of the mission.
Addressing the students directly, the Special Assistant added: “You are not alone. Your safety, your future, and your well-being remain our utmost priority.”
While academic activities at the University of Jos remain disrupted, the Cross River State Government maintains that the students will remain home until a total restoration of peace is confirmed by security agencies.
