NIPSS Attack: DG Apologizes to Gbong Gwom Over TV Remarks

Our Correspondent

The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, has written to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, to express regret over remarks he made on television recently.

In the letter dated Monday, July 6, 2026, Prof. Omotayo said he did not intend to link the Berom people to the incident or suggest the existence of any organized militia associated with the Berom Nation.

According to the statement signed by Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs, NIPSS, the DG explained that while responding to questions on a “rapidly evolving security situation,” he only alluded to reports and speculations already in the public domain.

He conveyed “his sincere apologies to the Berom Nation for the unintended offence and distress his remarks may have caused” and asked the Gbong Gwom Jos to convey his message of goodwill and reconciliation to the Berom people.

Professor Omotayo reaffirmed his “profound respect for the Berom Nation” and acknowledged their role as one of the principal host communities of NIPSS.

He acknowledged that the Institute has enjoyed “a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship” with the community, built on “trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and national development.”

The DG recalled several programmes implemented under his leadership to strengthen relations with host communities, including annual summer coaching for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship in secondary schools, support for girl-child education and empowerment, and community-impact projects.

He stressed that “the wellbeing of the host communities is inseparable from the success and stability of the Institute.”

Professor Omotayo urged all stakeholders to “remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of heightening tensions” while security agencies continue investigations into the attempted attack on NIPSS.

He reiterated the Institute’s “unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with all its host communities,” and assured that NIPSS will continue to support initiatives that foster “unity, security and sustainable development.”

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