RismadarVoice Reporters, April 9, 2026
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has confirmed that two students of the institution lost their lives during the recent unrest in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Prof. Ishaya made the disclosure on Thursday during a press conference in Jos, the state capital.
The violence began on March 29 when gunmen attacked the Angwan Rukuba community, killing several residents, injuring many others. The community is known to house a significant number of university staff and students.
The attack prompted the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew.
However, the situation reportedly escalated and spread to other areas after the curfew was lifted on April 1.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that, in addition to the fatalities, four students and one staff member sustained injuries, and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
He identified the deceased students as Abel Gershon, a 300-level student of the Department of Building, and Adeyomo Temitope, a 500-level student of the Department of Quantity Surveying.
“Abel Gershon was shot in the stomach on March 29 and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Sadly, he passed away on Sunday, April 5,” Ishaya said.
He further explained that Adeyomo Temitope left the campus alone on April 1, encountered violence along Bauchi Road, where he was killed by hoodlums.
“In total, five members of the university community were affected by the incident—four students and one staff member,” he added.
Prof. Ishaya extended condolences to the families of the deceased and noted that those currently receiving medical care are responding well to treatment.
Despite the incident, he affirmed that the university’s resumption date of April 13 remains unchanged. He added that security measures have been strengthened within the university and surrounding communities.
The Vice Chancellor assured parents and guardians of the safety of the institution, emphasizing that none of its campuses has been attacked since the onset of crises in Plateau State.
He also urged parents to allow their wards to return to campus to complete the first semester examinations and begin the second semester.
