Follow Us on Google
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The National Union of Lagos State Students, (NULASS)has evacuated 236 Lagos State from Jos, Plateau State, following rising insecurity and threats to their lives.
The emergency evacuation followed a distress call received on Wednesday at about 11:45 a.m. from a student in Jos, who raised the alarm over worsening security conditions and imminent danger in the state.
The student in the distress call ,said: “Ejooor oh. I wanna live and also my people oh. Jos is hot now Sir,”
Acting swiftly, NULASS National President, Hafiz Olufowobi, constituted a five-member emergency response committee led by the Vice President II (Diaspora), 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, Olawale 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, Tolani Sule, ensured 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 Commissioner for Tertiary Education; Permanent Secretary, 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, Mobolaji Ogunlede, and other stakeholders for prioritising the safety of students.
The union also praised members of its emergency response committee for their dedication in 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.
