Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered the evacuation of Kogi students from the University of Jos following a surge in violence in Plateau State. Academic activities at the institution have been disrupted, with students directed to vacate hostels and campuses due to safety concerns linked to recent attacks that have claimed lives. Ododo described the move as a proactive step to protect Kogi indigenes, particularly those living off-campus in vulnerable conditions. His Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, confirmed that Hon. Oladele Nihi, Special Adviser on Youth and Students Matters, has been sent to Jos with a delegation to oversee the evacuation.
Transport arrangements have been finalised with adequate security in place, coordinated with relevant agencies. Ododo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security forces for their response to the Jos crisis, expressing confidence that peace will be restored and those responsible for the violence brought to justice. He reassured parents that the safety of Kogi students remains a top priority, urging students to remain calm and comply with evacuation officials. The governor pledged continued monitoring of the situation for any further necessary action.
Governor Ododo's swift evacuation of Kogi students from Jos contrasts with his silence on the broader crisis engulfing Plateau State. While the movement of 127 students was confirmed, no Kogi student was reported among the dead — yet the state still acted decisively where its own were concerned. This selective urgency reveals how Nigerian governance often prioritises ethnic or state affiliations over national cohesion. For most Nigerians, safety remains conditional, not guaranteed.
