By The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), has called for justice following the death of Abel Gershon, a 300-level Building student of the University of Jos, who died after sustaining injuries in a violent bandit attack in Plateau State.
In a statement issued on April 9, 2026, the student body expressed grief and outrage over Gershon’s death, describing it as a painful loss to the Nigerian student community and a reflection of the country’s worsening security situation.
According to the statement, the attack occurred on March 29, 2026, when suspected bandits stormed a relaxation spot in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, and opened fire on residents. The assault reportedly left no fewer than 28 persons dead, while several others sustained injuries.
Gershon, who was initially among those reported to have survived, was said to have been receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital before he later succumbed to his injuries.
The association noted that earlier confirmation by the University of Jos authorities had indicated that Gershon, alongside another student, Patrick Ishaya of the Department of Geography and Planning, and a staff member, Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, survived the attack. However, Gershon’s eventual death has intensified concerns and anger among students nationwide.
Condemning the incident, NANS Lagos JCC described the attack as “heinous” and criticised what it termed the persistent failure of security mechanisms to adequately protect lives, particularly students residing in host communities.
The group called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to constitute a Presidential Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
According to the statement, such a panel should also recommend lasting measures to prevent similar incidents and improve the safety of students across the country.
“We hereby call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed 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. 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 statement read.
“NANS Lagos JCC remains resolute in its commitment to pursue justice for our slain colleague through all lawful and democratic means available,” the statement read, adding that the association views the incident as a collective loss for Nigerian students.
The student body also commended Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos State students from affected areas, describing the move as timely and indicative of responsible leadership.
While mourning Gershon, the association extended condolences to his family, friends, and the University of Jos community, stressing that his death must not go unaddressed.
The group reiterated its demand for accountability and renewed commitment from authorities to ensure the safety and protection of students nationwide.
