The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, Lagos State (NANS Lagos JCC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a presidential panel of inquiry into the killing of Abel Gershon, a 300-level Building student at University of Jos, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The group, in a statement issued Wednesday and signed by chairman Ridwan Ajayi, also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas.
Gershon was among students caught in the March 29, 2026, attack when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on residents in a densely populated suburb popular with university students. Initially reported as a survivor, Gershon later died at the Intensive Care Unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The University of Jos confirmed that two students, Gershon and Patrick Ishaya, along with a staff member, Duguryil Daniel, initially survived the attack. The death toll has since risen to 33 as more victims succumbed to injuries.
NANS Lagos JCC called for the proposed panel to identify perpetrators, ensure swift prosecution, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence. “We consider this incident not just an isolated tragedy, but a reflection of the worsening security situation across the country, which demands urgent and decisive action,” the statement read.
The students’ body affirmed its commitment to pursue justice through lawful and democratic means, declaring, “An injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students.”
The group also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising the safety of Lagos students and extended condolences to Gershon’s family, friends, and the University of Jos community, urging accountability and stronger protection for students nationwide.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Satmark Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu vowed to bring those responsible to justice, with Deputy IGP Umar Nadada deployed to coordinate security operations in the state.
