By Abdulsamad Abdulmalik
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Lagos State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to constitute a presidential panel of inquiry into the killing of a University of Jos student, Abel Gershon.
Gershon, a 300-level Building student, died from injuries sustained during the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ridwan Ajayi, on Wednesday, NANS said the proposed panel should identify those responsible, ensure their prosecution, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
“This panel must identify the perpetrators, ensure their swift prosecution, and recommend sustainable measures to prevent a recurrence of such senseless violence,” the statement said.
The students’ body described the incident as a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation, calling for urgent and decisive action.
“This is not just an isolated tragedy, but a pointer to the deteriorating insecurity across the country,” it added.
NANS also commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for facilitating the evacuation of Lagos students from the affected area.
Gershon was among those caught in the March 29 attack, when gunmen reportedly stormed the community on motorcycles and opened fire on residents. Although he initially survived, he later died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The death toll from the attack has reportedly risen to 33, following the deaths of other victims receiving treatment.
Reaffirming its stance, NANS said it would pursue justice through lawful means, insisting that students must feel safe within their institutions and host communities.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has assured that those behind the attack will be brought to justice.
