The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has written to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressing regret over the controversy surrounding remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the institute.
In a letter dated Monday, July 6, 2026, Omotayo clarified that while responding to questions on a rapidly evolving security situation, he merely referred to reports and speculations already in the public domain.
He stressed that he neither intended to attribute responsibility for the incident to the Berom people nor suggest the existence of any organised militia associated with the Berom Nation.
The NIPSS Director-General apologised to the Berom Nation for any unintended offence or distress his remarks may have caused and appealed to the Gbong Gwom Jos to convey his message of goodwill and reconciliation to the Berom people.
Omotayo reaffirmed his respect for the Berom Nation, describing the Berom people as one of the institute’s principal host communities.
He noted that NIPSS has maintained a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the community, built on trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and national development.
He also highlighted several community-focused initiatives implemented under his leadership, including annual summer coaching programmes for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship programmes in selected secondary schools, support for girl-child education and empowerment, and other community-impact projects.
According to him, the programmes reflect the institute’s commitment to the wellbeing of its host communities.
The Director-General appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions while security agencies continue investigations into the attempted attack on the institute.
He reiterated NIPSS’ commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with its host communities, while assuring that the institute would continue to support initiatives that foster unity, security and sustainable development.
