The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Lagos State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to set up a presidential panel of inquiry into the killing of Abel Gershon, a 300-level Building student of the University of Jos.
Gershon died after sustaining injuries during the Palm Sunday attack on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The student body also commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the council’s chairman, Ridwan Ajayi.
Gershon was among students caught in the March 29, 2026 attack, when gunmen reportedly arrived on motorcycles at about 8 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately on residents gathered in a popular spot within the densely populated suburb, often frequented by students.
Although initially reported to have survived, he later died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the University of Jos, Emmanuel Madugu, had earlier confirmed that Gershon and another student, Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level Geography and Planning student, as well as a staff member, Duguryil Daniel, survived the initial assault.
However, Gershon later succumbed to his injuries after a prolonged battle for survival.
The death toll from the attack has since risen to 33, following the deaths of other victims receiving treatment in hospital.
Describing the incident as more than an isolated tragedy, the group said it reflects the worsening security situation in the country and requires urgent, decisive action.
“We consider this incident not just an isolated tragedy, but a reflection of the deteriorating security situation nationwide, which demands immediate and firm intervention,” the statement read.
It added that the proposed panel should be mandated to identify those responsible, ensure their prompt prosecution, and recommend lasting measures to prevent a recurrence of such violence.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, NANS Lagos JCC stated: “We remain resolute in pursuing justice for our slain colleague through all lawful and democratic means. An injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students.”
The group also condemned what it described as the persistent failure of security agencies to protect lives, stressing that students must feel safe within their campuses and host communities.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor, Jeremiah Satmark, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang at a funeral service held at the ECWA Church in Angwan Rukuba, assured that the state government would do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a visit to the Government House in Jos, vowed that those behind the killings would be apprehended and prosecuted, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
He also disclosed that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, had earlier been deployed to Plateau State to assess the situation and coordinate security efforts with other agencies.
Commending Sanwo-Olu’s intervention, the group noted that the evacuation of Lagos students demonstrated the governor’s commitment to their welfare and safety, both within and outside the state, and described it as a commendable act of responsive leadership in a time of crisis.
NANS extended its condolences to Gershon’s family, friends, and the University of Jos community, stressing that his death must not be in vain.
“We demand justice, accountability, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigerian students across all regions of the country,” the statement added
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