On March 29, 2026, gunmen arrived on motorcycles around 8pm. They opened fire indiscriminately on residents in Angwan Rukuba. The densely populated suburb is frequented by University of Jos students. “Abel Gershon was shot in the stomach on March 29 and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Unfortunately, he died on Sunday, April 5,” UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya confirmed.
Two students lost their lives in the crisis. A staff member, Duguryil Daniel, also survived with injuries. Consequently, the death toll from the attack has since climbed to 33.
Students Demand Federal Intervention
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has now taken a firm stand. “We hereby call on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to immediately constitute a Presidential Panel of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Abel Gershon and other victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack,” the statement read. The group’s chairman, Ridwan Ajayi, issued the demand on Wednesda.
Furthermore, NANS insists the panel must go beyond identification. “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 student body described the incident as “not just an isolated tragedy, but a reflection of the worsening security situation across the country, which demands urgent and decisive action.”
In a vow of solidarity, NANS declared: “NANS Lagos JCC remains resolute in its commitment to pursue justice for our slain colleague through all lawful and democratic means available, as solidarity knows no boundaries, and an injury to one UNIJOS student is an injury to all Nigerian students.”
Official Promises and Security Responses
Meanwhile, authorities have pledged accountability. The Chief of Staff to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Jeremiah Satmark, spoke at a funeral service. He said the state government would stop at nothing to bring those responsible to justice. “Government is working tirelessly to unravel the motive behind these killings and bring an end to the violence on the Plateau. This attack was meant to break our unity, but it will not succeed,” Satmark added.
Similarly, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu vowed action. He described the killings as tragic and unacceptable. Disu also revealed that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, had earlier been deployed to assess the situation.
Finally, NANS praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The group commended him for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos students from the affected areas. “This timely intervention underscores the Governor’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Lagos students, both within and outside the state, and stands as a commendable example of responsible governance in times of crisis,” the statement concluded.