UNIJOS Killing: NANS Demands Presidential Panel Over Murder of Abel Gershon
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State Joint Campus Council, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Presidential Panel of Inquiry into the murder of Abel Gershon, a 300-level student at the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
Gershon died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) following injuries sustained during a violent attack by gunmen on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North on March 29, 2026.
A Struggle for Survival
Abel Gershon, a student of Building, was caught in a hail of gunfire when motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire on a popular gathering spot at approximately 8:00 PM on Palm Sunday.
While initially listed as a survivor alongside fellow student Patrick Ishaya and staff member Duguryil Daniel, Gershon succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit after a prolonged battle for his life. The overall death toll from the Angwan Rukuba massacre has since risen to 33.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
In a statement signed by Chairman Ridwan Ajayi on Wednesday, NANS Lagos JCC described the killing as a reflection of Nigeria’s “worsening security situation.” The body is demanding a panel that will:
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Identify and prosecute the perpetrators immediately.
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Recommend sustainable measures to prevent future violence against students in host communities.
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Address the failure of security mechanisms to protect lives within learning environments.
“Solidarity knows no boundaries, and an injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students,” the statement read. “We remain resolute in our commitment to pursue justice through all lawful means.”
Government and Police Response
The Plateau State Government, represented by Chief of Staff Jeremiah Satmark, has vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Simultaneously, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Jos to coordinate security operations, confirming that Deputy Inspector-General (Operations) Umar Nadada has been deployed to the state to oversee the tactical response.
Lagos State Intervention
The students’ body also extended significant praise to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his proactive role in the crisis.
NANS commended the Governor for facilitating the emergency evacuation of Lagos-indigene students from the troubled areas in Jos, calling the move a “commendable example of responsible governance.”
