Four states in the South-East of Nigeria have moved in to evacuate their citizens from Jos, the Plateau state capital following the escalation of violence in the area and the closure of the University of Jos.
The states are Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra.
While Enugu has completed the evacuation of their citizens from the conflict area, Abia as at the time of filing this report, has its citizens on the heading home to the South-East, with Ebonyi State commencing the procedure for the evacuation of their citizens from Jos.
The Enugu State Government disclosed that it has safely evacuated 135 indigenes of the state who are students of University of Jos (UNIJOS) from the school to their respective homes and destinations following the crisis.
Special Adviser to Gov. Ugwuanyi on Students Affairs, Hon. Chidi Ilogebe, disclosed that 37 evacuated students returned safely to Enugu yesterday, 28 were conveyed to Abuja to join their loved ones while others were taken to their various homes within Plateau and surrounding areas based on their requests, amid tight security.
Contacted around 9:30am Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information in Abia state, Chief John Okeiyi Kalu, told our correspondent that he was in contact with the evacuation delegation from the state and Abia indigenes in the crisis area has been evacuated.
“I can assure you, the Abia State Government has already evacuated our indigenes from the area of conflict. I am in contact with the evacuation team and our people are already being conveyed home. As at our last communication, they have crossed Nasarawa state heading under tight security.”
The Ebonyi state government has since Monday, also activated the process of evacuating citizens of the state from Jos.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji noted that following the violent disturbances that led to the closure of University of Jos, Plateau State, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi had authorized the evacuation of the stranded students of Ebonyi State origin from the University.
“Consequently, government officials have been dispatched to the institution to ensure safe return of the affected students with immediate effect while we hope that the situation will abate to enable the students resume their studies”, the statement read.
Just yesterday evening, the Anambra State Government announced the process of evacuating citizens of the state stranded in Jos, Plateau State.
The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba.
The statement noted that, “The evacuation will now be handled by both the Anambra State Liaison Office in Abuja and GUO Transport Company Ltd which has a strong operation in Jos. This is to make for greater efficiency.”
The statement further read: “Every student of the University of Jos from Anambra State who wants to return immediately to the State is required to go to the GUO station in Jos and present his or her student identity card as well as an identity card showing membership of the Anambra State Students Association of the University. An arrangement has also been made to pick up students who may not be able to leave the university campus. Any student who has any difficulty whatsoever can contact the Liaison Office in Abuja for immediate assistance.”
It is hoped that the Imo state government will follow suit and expedite the evacuation of their citizens from the crisis area in Jos, Plateau State.
