NANS Demands Presidential Inquiry into Abel Gershon’s Death After Angwan Rukuba Massacre

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, 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 at the University of Jos, who died following the Palm Sunday attack on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Lagos student body also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for facilitating the safe evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas.

In a statement signed by NANS Lagos JCC Chairman Ridwan Ajayi on Wednesday, the group described the attack as more than an isolated tragedy, calling it a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation. “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.

Gershon was among students caught in the March 29, 2026, attack, when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire around 8pm in a popular gathering spot frequented by university students. Initially reported as a survivor, Gershon later died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Fellow student Patrick Ishaya and staff member Duguryil Daniel survived the attack.

The death toll from the incident has since climbed to 33, as more victims succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault.

NANS Lagos JCC emphasized that the pursuit of justice extends beyond regional boundaries, stating, “An injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students.” The group condemned the continued failures of security mechanisms, insisting that students must feel safe within their learning environments and host communities.

Speaking at a funeral service in Angwan Rukuba, Chief of Staff to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Jeremiah Satmark, affirmed the state government’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu echoed this commitment during a visit to the Government House in Jos, deploying Deputy Inspector-General Umar Nadada to coordinate security operations with other agencies.

Highlighting the evacuation of Lagos students, NANS Lagos JCC praised Sanwo-Olu’s swift intervention, calling it a model of responsible governance during crises. The group extended condolences to Gershon’s family, friends, and the University of Jos community, insisting that “his death must not be in vain” and demanding accountability, justice, and strengthened protection for Nigerian students nationwide.

ELIJAH ADEYEMI