Kuru Institute DG Clarifies Berom Militia Claims, Apologies Over Remarks

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The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, has clarified his assertion that a “Berom militia” was responsible for a recent attack on the institute in Kuru, Jos. According to him, he received repeated phone calls from individuals claiming to be Berom militia members, who threatened to reclaim what they described as ancestral land around the NIPSS facility unless compensation was paid.

Mr Omotayo stated that his comments were not intended to stigmatise the Berom ethnic group, as security agencies have confirmed arrests in connection with the attacks. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he revealed that he had received repeated phone calls from individuals claiming to be Berom militia members, who threatened him.

And these anonymous callers were insistent: they claimed that the land on which NIPSS is situated was ancestral to the Berom people, and that they would not back down unless their demands were met. But Mr Omotayo clarified that the land was acquired nearly five decades ago and that he holds no authority over compensation decisions.

But the controversy over Mr Omotayo's comments has sparked a heated debate, with some accusing him of stigmatising the Berom ethnic group. However, others have defended him, saying that his comments were necessary to protect the institution and its staff.

So what next? Security sources have reported that troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) arrested two suspects in the Trade Centre area of Jos South Local Government Area in connection with the attack on NIPSS. But the security official insisted that details of the investigation would be made public upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, security has been reinforced around the NIPSS complex, with increased patrols and surveillance operations to protect the institution and surrounding communities. The Gbong Gwom Jos, Gyang Buba, has welcomed Mr Omotayo's clarification and apology, but has urged public officials and the media to exercise caution and sensitivity in public communication as investigations into the Kuru incident continue.

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The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is a research institute that provides training and research support services to the Nigerian government. It has been involved in several high-profile research projects, including one on the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Mr Omotayo's predecessor, Ebrahim Baba Gana, was appointed as the DG of NIPSS in 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw several high-profile research projects, including one on the security challenges facing Nigeria's borders.

The recent attack on NIPSS has sparked concerns among residents of Kuru, who fear for their safety. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved security in the area, with many calling for the deployment of more troops to the region.

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Since assuming office, NIPSS has prioritised cordial relations with host communities, including sustained engagement with the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO). Mr Omotayo has also disclosed that some individuals had urged him to publicly name Fulani actors in the incident, a narrative that he described as 'inconsistent with the information available to investigators'.

And these attempts to point fingers at specific ethnic groups have only served to heighten tensions in the area. But Mr Omotayo has reiterated his commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among NIPSS's host communities.

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The security agencies are currently investigating the incident, and details will be made public upon the conclusion of the investigation. Mr Omotayo has clarified that he holds no authority over compensation decisions, but believes that grievances raised by host communities may be legitimate.