The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Lagos State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to constitute a presidential panel of inquiry into the killing of Abel Gershon, a 300-level Building student of the University of Jos.
Gershon died after sustaining injuries during a Palm Sunday attack on March 29, 2026, in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and signed by its chairman, Ridwan Ajayi, the student body said the proposed panel should be tasked with identifying those responsible, ensuring their prosecution, and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.
Gunmen had reportedly stormed the area on motorcycles around 8 p.m., opening fire on residents at a popular gathering spot within the densely populated suburb, often frequented by university students.
Gershon was initially reported to have survived the attack but later died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital after a prolonged battle for his life.
The Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the University of Jos, Emmanuel Madugu, had earlier confirmed that Gershon, alongside another student, Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level Geography and Planning student, and a staff member, Duguryil Daniel, survived the initial assault. However, Gershon later succumbed to his injuries.
The death toll from the attack has since risen to 33, following the demise of several victims who were receiving treatment in hospital.
“We hereby call on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to immediately constitute a Presidential Panel of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Abel Gershon and other victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack,” the statement read.
NANS described the incident as a reflection of the country’s worsening security situation, calling for urgent and decisive action.
“This panel must be mandated to identify the perpetrators, ensure their swift prosecution, and recommend sustainable measures to prevent a recurrence of such senseless violence,” the group added.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, the student body stated that it would pursue all lawful and democratic means to ensure accountability, stressing that “an injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students.”
The group also condemned what it termed the continued failure of security mechanisms to protect lives, noting that students should feel safe within their academic and host communities.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor, Jeremiah Satmark, representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang at a funeral service in Angwan Rukuba, assured that the state government would stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a visit to the Government House in Jos, vowed that those behind the attack would be apprehended, describing the killings as tragic and unacceptable.
He added that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, had been deployed to the state to assess the situation and coordinate security efforts.
NANS also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas, describing the move as a demonstration of responsible leadership.
The group extended condolences to Gershon’s family, friends, and the University of Jos community, insisting that his death must not be in vain while demanding justice, accountability, and improved protection for students nationwide.
