Security was tight at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) on Monday as the military evacuated students from their Halls of residence.
The decision was taken following the killing of a 200-level student in the Faculty of Law during the resurgence of the crisis which started on Friday.
Entry and exit into UNIJOS was tight as stern-looking security operatives frisked visitors.
The authorities of UNIJOS confirmed that one student died, two others were injured and another missing following the violence.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Monday night held a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state to review the prevailing security situation within Jos.
The meeting, according to a terse statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, was attended by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie; Commander of the Special Taskforce, Major-General Augustine Agundu; Director of the State Security Council, Babagana Bulama and Commander of Operation Rainbow, Major-General Steve Guar (retd).
UNIJOS also dispelled reports that seven students were killed, saying the casualty figure being circulated in the social media were untrue.
A statement issued on Monday night by UNIJOS Principal Assistant Registrar (Information and Publications), Abdullahi Abdullahi, advised members of the university community, especially staff and students “to exercise caution and comply with all security directives during this period.”
He said, “Following the unfortunate security breach that occurred in some parts of Jos metropolis, the attention of the management of the University of Jos has been brought to the plethora of unverified information being circulated especially on the social media about casualty figures said to have been recorded among students of the university.
“It is claimed that seven (7) Students of the University have been killed as a result of the skirmishes. Management wishes to clarify that after a rigorous search was carried out, one student is still missing while one student was confirmed dead and two other students were reported injured.
“The corpse of the deceased student has since been deposited in the mortuary. The injured student is still receiving treatment in the hospital while the other one has been discharged. Out of respect for the families of the affected students, the university authorities have decided not to disclose the identities of the dead and the injured but would do so in due course.
“It should, however, be noted that following the breakdown of peace in the metropolis, management has been working round the clock in close collaboration with the security agencies and the Plateau State government to ensure that the lives and property of members of the University Community especially students are adequately protected.
“While expressing deep commiseration to the family of the deceased student, the injured and all those who suffered losses during this unfortunate incident, management wishes to appreciate the government, security agencies as well as members of the public who have shown great concern about the plight of the university during this difficult period.”