The tragic killing of Abel Gershon, a 300-level Building student at the University of Jos, has prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Lagos State, to demand immediate federal action. In a statement sign
ed by Chairman Ridwan Ajayi, the students called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a presidential panel of inquiry into the March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack left the densely populated community, popular with university students, in shock after gunmen on motorcycles opened fire around 8 p.m., killing at least 33 people, including Gershon.
Initial reports had suggested Gershon survived, but he later succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Student Leaders Demand Justice
NANS Lagos JCC emphasized that the proposed panel should go beyond investigating Gershon’s death.
They demand it identify the perpetrators, ensure their prosecution, and propose measures to prevent future attacks.
“An injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students,” the statement declared, highlighting the solidarity and urgency behind their call.
The student body also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the safe evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas, praising the intervention as an example of responsible governance in times of crisis.
Escalating Security Concerns
The Angwan Rukuba incident is not an isolated tragedy.
Students’ representatives described it as part of a broader security crisis in Nigeria.
“This reflects the worsening security situation across the country, which demands urgent and decisive action,” NANS Lagos JCC said.
University officials confirmed that two other students—Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level Geography and Planning student, and a staff member, Duguryil Daniel—survived the initial attack.
Sadly, Gershon’s death added to the growing toll of 33 fatalities as victims succumbed to injuries in hospital care.
Government Response
The Plateau State government, represented by Chief of Staff Jeremiah Satmark, assured the public that efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice would be relentless.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Jos and confirmed that Deputy Inspector-General Umar Nadada had been deployed to coordinate security operations.
Both officials condemned the killings as tragic and unacceptable.
Impact and Consequences
Gershon’s death and the broader attack have sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s student communities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security in university towns.
The tragedy underscores systemic failures in protecting citizens, particularly students, within their learning environments.
Politically, it pressures both state and federal authorities to act decisively, lest public confidence in governance and law enforcement erodes further.
For Lagos students, the incident and subsequent evacuation have also exposed vulnerabilities faced by students traveling or studying outside their home states, reinforcing the need for coordinated protection measures nationwide.
What’s Next?
The immediate next step, as demanded by NANS Lagos JCC, is the establishment of a presidential panel of inquiry.
The panel would investigate the killings, hold perpetrators accountable, and recommend long-term strategies to prevent similar violence.
Additionally, law enforcement operations in Plateau State are expected to intensify to track down those responsible for the attack.
Summary
Abel Gershon’s death in the Angwan Rukuba attack has ignited calls for justice and a broader inquiry into student safety in Nigeria.
With fatalities rising to 33, student bodies, state officials, and federal authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
The Lagos State government’s intervention in evacuating students has been widely praised, but the incident highlights persistent security challenges across the nation.
Bulleted Takeaways
- Abel Gershon, a UNIJOS student, died following the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State
- NANS Lagos JCC demands a presidential panel of inquiry to investigate the killings and ensure justice
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu facilitated the safe evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas
- The attack killed at least 33 people, reflecting broader security challenges in Nigeria
- Plateau State and federal police officials vowed to bring perpetrators to justice
- Student bodies insist that safety within learning environments must be prioritized nationwide
- NANS Lagos JCC emphasizes solidarity and the urgent need for preventive measures against such violence
