University of Jos Confirms Two Students Dead, Three Injured in Plateau Attacks

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has verified that two of its students have lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in the recent attacks that occurred in the Angwan Kukuba community, situated within the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The university administration also conveyed that the students who were injured are presently undergoing medical treatment in a hospital.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, provided details on the impact of the incident on the institution. He stated that a total of five individuals from the university community were affected, comprising four students and one staff member.

Professor Ishaya identified the students who died as Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student who was shot in the abdomen during the Angwan Rukuba incident and passed away on April 5 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The second deceased student was Adeyemo Oluwafemi Temitope, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student, who was fatally shot on April 1 near the university campus along Bauchi Road.

On behalf of the entire university community, Professor Ishaya extended his condolences to the families of the deceased students, as well as to the residents of Angwan Kukuba, where reports indicate that unknown assailants killed more than 30 individuals.

He further mentioned that regular academic activities recommenced across all university campuses on Tuesday, and that security measures have been substantially reinforced.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the swift actions of security agencies, noting visits from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.-Gen. E.F. Onyinlola, and other officials, who affirmed that the university's security remains a paramount concern.

According to Professor Ishaya, the university management has synchronized the resumption of examinations with the conclusion of the Easter break. He announced that examinations are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 13, to ensure that students who had travelled can return safely.

He stressed that the university was not formally shut down, nor was any directive issued for the evacuation of staff or students.

Professor Ishaya also commented that while students were advised to utilize designated transport arrangements for the Easter break, the uncoordinated arrival of vehicles from various state governments and organizations inadvertently caused unease.