There is growing fear and tension in Jos, Plateau State, as students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and residents of surrounding areas raise urgent alarms over alleged threats to lives.
These developments have prompted calls for immediate intervention by security agencies to rescue the students who are reportedly trapped inside the school campus and their respective hostels amid the ongoing violence in Jos.
A social media user, Rhoda Nanre, in a distress message circulating online, called on Nigerians to draw the attention of authorities, including the President and the Inspector-General of Police, to the unfolding situation.
“We are calling on all friends and comrades to tag the Nigerian president and IGP to urgently send protection to Jos especially UNIJOS NOW!!!! They are so scared,” she wrote.
The alarm comes amid an official statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by the University of Jos Alumni Association, expressing deep concern over what it described as rising tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the wider university community within Jos North Local Government Area.
In the statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association stressed that the safety and well-being of students and staff remain its highest priority, urging authorities to act swiftly.
“The University of Jos Alumni Association expresses deep concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff and the broader university community within Jos North Local Government Area,” the statement read.
The association called on the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately deploy enhanced and visible security presence across all university campuses, student hostels, and key residential areas where students reside.
It further demanded security coverage along major access routes frequently used by students and staff, emphasizing the need for round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to proactively neutralize any potential threats.
“We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed and swiftly neutralized,” the statement added.
Students have also been advised to remain indoors, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious movements as the situation continues to unfold.
Similarly, JayFM, a Jos-based media outlet, reported an urgent need for security deployment around the university environment, particularly in the students’ village hostel area.
According to the report, the call followed distress messages from students who were allegedly stranded amid provocations by suspected hoodlums in the area.
“There’s the need for urgent security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students village hostel. This followed a distress call by students who appear to be stranded in the face of provocation by some hoodlums,” the report stated.
The development comes barely hours after SaharaReporters reported that angry youths attacked a church in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, smashing windows and unleashing violence amid renewed clashes in the community.
Eyewitnesses had described scenes of chaos, with gunshots and stones used during the attack, forcing residents to flee for safety as fear gripped the area.
The violence was linked to ongoing unrest in Anguwan Rukuba, which escalated following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen earlier in the week.
Although security operatives were later deployed to restore calm, residents and community leaders have continued to criticise authorities over what they describe as delayed response and inadequate protection.
Attractions Media earlier reported that panic and bloodshed had gripped Jos, the capital of Plateau State, as rampaging youths launched coordinated attacks across the city, leaving many feared dead and several others injured.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that heavily armed youths had taken over key parts of the city, wielding dangerous weapons, attacking unsuspecting residents and travellers, and setting homes and shops ablaze.
According to multiple accounts, the violence has spread to major entry and exit points of the city, with travellers allegedly being intercepted, assaulted, and in some cases killed.
The situation has reportedly thrown residents into confusion, with many fleeing for safety as gunshots and chaos erupt in different areas.
A disturbing video obtained by Attractions Media shows a young man being attacked by a mob and possibly killed in broad daylight.
