06/07/2026
*PRESS RELEASE*
*NIPSS DIRECTOR GENERAL WRITES TO GBONG GWOM JOS, EXPRESSES REGRET OVER REMARKS, APPEALS FOR CALM*
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 his profound regret over the misunderstanding arising from remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the Institute.
In the letter, dated Monday, 6 July 2026, Professor Omotayo clarified that, while responding to questions on a rapidly evolving security situation, he merely alluded to reports and speculations that were already in the public domain. He explained that he neither intended to attribute responsibility for the incident to the Berom people nor to suggest the existence of any organised militia associated with the Berom Nation.
The Director General conveyed his sincere apologies to the Berom Nation for the unintended offence and distress his remarks may have caused and appealed to His Royal Majesty to convey his message of goodwill and reconciliation to the Berom people.
Professor Omotayo reaffirmed his profound respect for the Berom Nation and acknowledged the invaluable role the Berom people have continued to play as one of the principal host communities of the Institute. He noted that NIPSS has, over the years, enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Berom community, founded on trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and national development.
The Director General also recalled that, under his leadership, the Institute has continued to implement several community-focused initiatives designed to improve opportunities for young people and strengthen relationships with host communities. These include annual summer coaching programmes for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mento