The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has confirmed that two students of the institution lost their lives during recent unrest in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Ishaya disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Jos, noting that the incident also left four students and one staff member injured.
The violence, which began on March 29, reportedly followed an attack by gunmen in the Angwan Rukuba community, an area known to house many students and staff of the university.
The situation led to the imposition of a 48-hour curfew by the state government, although tensions persisted even after it was lifted on April 1.
Providing details, the Vice-Chancellor identified the deceased students as Abel Gershon, a 300-level student of Building, and Adeyomo Temitope, a 500-level student of Quantity Surveying.
“Abel Gershon sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach on March 29 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital,” Ishaya said. “Sadly, he passed away on April 5 while receiving treatment.”
He further explained that the second victim met his death days later under violent circumstances.
“Adeyomo Temitope left the campus on April 1 and ran into unrest along Bauchi Road, where he was attacked and killed by hoodlums,” he added.
Ishaya said the university community recorded a total of five casualties from the incident, including the injured students and a staff member currently undergoing treatment.
“We have four students and one staff member receiving medical care, and we are pleased to note that they are responding to treatment,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that steps had been taken to strengthen security within the university and surrounding areas.
He maintained that the institution’s academic calendar remains unchanged, with students expected to resume on April 13 for the continuation of academic activities.
“Our campuses remain secure, and we have reinforced safety measures in collaboration with relevant authorities,” Ishaya stated. “We urge parents and guardians to allow their wards to return and complete their examinations.”
The incident adds to growing concerns over recurring violence in Plateau State, which has continued to affect residents, including members of the academic community.
