BYM Calls for Professionalism in Reportage, Says Berom Community Handed Over NIPSS Attack Suspects to Military

Our Correspondent

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, has urged the military to investigate the leak of photographs of suspects arrested in connection with the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru. It also called for restraint in the spread of unverified reports.

In a press statement signed by its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, the group said the misleading narrative circulating on social media that the military carried out the arrests was inaccurate.

BYM explained that following the identification of one of the criminals neutralized by the military during the attack on NIPSS, “vigilant members of the Berom host community swiftly swung into action, carried out a manhunt, arrested some known associates of the said criminal, and voluntarily handed them over to the military for thorough investigation.”

The group described the action as part of the “community-military synergy that has long existed” and evidence of the community’s commitment to supporting security agencies in exposing criminal networks.

It added that community and vigilante groups are “still making assiduous efforts to assist security agencies in tracking other fleeing suspected associates.”

The youth body expressed “displeasure and dismay” that photographs of the associates handed over to the military for investigation had found their way onto social media through civilian sources, with “false and misleading narratives.”

BYM said the leak was “highly unacceptable” as the individuals, who should only be regarded as suspects, have “effectively been judged in the court of public opinion instead of the matter being handled discreetly as statutorily and professionally required.”

The group warned that the disclosure raises concerns about the confidentiality of security information and respect for the rights of those arrested. It noted it could also “undermine ongoing efforts to track other fleeing members of the criminal gang and could adversely affect further investigations.”

“How can meaningful progress be made in the manhunt for other associates, among whom there could be individuals possessing vital information about the true perpetrators and the shadowy sponsors behind this dastardly act of criminality?” the statement asked.

They called on military authorities to investigate the source of the “apparent information leak” and ensure that sensitive security information is handled professionally. It also urged members of the public to “refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of misleading the public and frustrating security operations.”

The association said the recurring pattern of releasing photos of arrested suspects to unauthorized persons “risks weakening the synergy required in the ongoing fight against insurgency and criminality” and could “jeopardize efforts to apprehend other suspects.”

BYM reaffirmed that the Berom people “remain committed to supporting lawful efforts to rid Plateau State of criminal elements” and will continue to cooperate with security agencies while insisting on “professionalism, transparency, accountability, and fairness” in handling security matters.

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