Gunmen attack NIPSS, policeman, two others feared dead

Gunmen launched an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, late Monday night, killing three people, including a policeman. The assailants reportedly stormed the facility around 11:40 p.m. and opened fire on security operatives at the gate, leading to an exchange of gunfire with personnel stationed at the institute.

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I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused commotion within the NIPSS.

A staff member of NIPSS, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the attack and described the chaos. "I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused commotion within the NIPSS," the staff member said. "Thank God security was reinforced, and the attackers fled. But they succeeded in killing two persons at the gate before they ran away. A soldier and a policeman were the victims."

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Thank God security was reinforced, and the attackers fled. But they succeeded in killing two persons at the gate before they ran away. A soldier and a policeman were the victims. It’s very unfortunate.

Another source indicated that three individuals lost their lives during the attack, including a policeman and another officer part of the institute's security detail. The staff member added that the "swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing further damage." Residents in surrounding communities reported being thrown into panic by the sustained gunfire that lasted for several minutes.

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Three persons lost their lives during the attack, including a policeman and another officer attached to the institute’s security detail.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Efforts to get official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson and comments from NIPSS authorities were unsuccessful as of press time. However, NIPSS released a statement on Tuesday confirming that "a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today." The statement assured that the situation was promptly controlled and that there is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities, with normal activities continuing. Security agencies have begun investigations into the incident.

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The swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing further damage.