Authorities of the University of Jos, have directed the closure of all its students’ hostels over security threats to the school.

The decision comes as incidences of abductions and killing of students of tertiary institutions became rife in neighbouring northern states like Kaduna and Benue.

Abdullahi Abdullahi, Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications of the university disclosed this in a statement early on Saturday in Jos, adding that the hostels would remain closed until further notice.

According to Mr Abdullahi, the decision followed an emergency meeting between management of the university and other stakeholders, including heads of security agencies in the state, the chief security officer of the institution, students representatives and others, held on Friday, April 30.

The official said that the outcome of the meeting indicated that the university has become a soft target for insecurity, hence the decision for the students to vacate the hostels.

“The meeting deliberated on a security report regarding threats to the university staff, students and properties. As a result of this, soft targets like the hostels are in great danger.

“In the light of this development, the hostels are to be closed with immediate effect. Students and other members of the university community are to note and strictly comply with this directive.

“This is in the interest of the safety of students until all security measures have been perfected to protect the campuses as well as the hostels,” he said.

The deputy registrar, however, said that the ongoing examinations would continue unhindered.

He called on students and all members of the university community to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements within the university to the security agencies for prompt response.

(NAN)