The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, has clarified his earlier comments linking a “Berom militia” to the recent attempted attack on the institute’s facility in Kuru, Jos, saying his remarks were never intended to stigmatise the Berom ethnic group.
Omotayo explained that his statement was based on repeated phone calls he received from individuals who identified themselves as members of a Berom militia and allegedly threatened to reclaim land surrounding the institute unless compensation was paid.
He stressed that NIPSS remains committed to maintaining peaceful and respectful relations with its host communities, adding that the institute values its long-standing partnership with residents of the area.
The NIPSS chief confirmed that security agencies had made arrests in connection with the attempted attack but said investigations and any possible prosecutions are being handled entirely by law enforcement authorities.
According to him, security agencies advised the institute not to make further public comments while investigations remain ongoing.
Omotayo also disclosed that some individuals had urged him to publicly accuse Fulani groups of carrying out the attack. However, he said doing so would have been irresponsible because available findings from security agencies did not support such claims.
He reiterated an earlier apology to Berom leaders and community members who felt offended by his previous remarks, describing the misunderstanding as regrettable.
The Director-General highlighted several initiatives undertaken by NIPSS to strengthen ties with its host communities, including educational support programmes, classroom construction projects and youth information technology training in collaboration with local stakeholders.
He also expressed deep respect for the traditional leadership of the Berom people, particularly the Gbong Gwom Jos, Gyang Buba, stating that he would never deliberately make statements capable of damaging the community’s reputation.
Meanwhile, security sources disclosed that personnel of Operation Enduring Peace arrested two suspects in connection with the attempted attack on the NIPSS facility on July 2.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations indicate that neither the arrested suspects nor those killed during the incident were Fulani, although authorities said the investigation is still ongoing and further details will be released when appropriate.
Security has since been strengthened around the institute, with increased patrols and surveillance introduced to safeguard the facility and surrounding communities.
Omotayo also acknowledged that concerns raised by some host communities over compensation for land acquired decades ago may be legitimate, stressing that such matters should be resolved transparently by the appropriate government authorities.
He maintained that the land occupied by NIPSS was acquired nearly 50 years ago and noted that decisions regarding compensation do not fall under his authority.
