NIPSS Director Clarifies Remarks on Kuru Attacks Amidst Threats and Arrests

Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has clarified his earlier assertion that a "Berom militia" was behind recent attacks on the institute in Kuru, Jos. Omotayo stated that his comments were not intended to stigmatize the Berom ethnic group, as security agencies have confirmed arrests in connection with the incidents.

In an interview, Omotayo revealed he received repeated phone calls from individuals claiming to be Berom militia members. These callers threatened to reclaim land around the NIPSS facility if compensation was not paid. "I received several calls from people claiming to be Berom militias. They threatened that if compensation were not paid, they would come for their land," he said, adding that he pleaded with them and assured them the issue would be addressed through due process.

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I received several calls from people claiming to be Berom militias. They threatened that if compensation were not paid, they would come for their land.

Omotayo emphasized that the land NIPSS occupies was acquired nearly five decades ago and that he has no authority over compensation decisions. He acknowledged, however, that grievances from host communities might be legitimate, particularly regarding inadequate compensation for some landowners. He stated such concerns should be addressed transparently by government authorities.

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The Berom people are peaceful, friendly and hospitable. NIPSS values its long-standing relationship with its host communities and remains committed to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

He described the backlash following his remarks on Arise Television as unfortunate, reiterating that he never intended to portray the Berom people as violent. "The Berom people are peaceful, friendly and hospitable," he said. "NIPSS values its long-standing relationship with its host communities and remains committed to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect."

Omotayo confirmed arrests have been made but stressed that security agencies are handling the investigation and prosecution. He also disclosed that some individuals urged him to publicly name Fulani actors as perpetrators, a narrative he found inconsistent with investigators' findings. "Some people wanted me to come out and mention the Fulani as the perpetrators. That would have been irresponsible and contrary to what the security agencies are finding," he stated. He reiterated his apology to Berom leaders and residents who felt offended, calling the misunderstanding regrettable.

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Some people wanted me to come out and mention the Fulani as the perpetrators. That would have been irresponsible and contrary to what the security agencies are finding.