The director-general of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has apologised to the Berom Nation over remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the Institute, saying they were misunderstood and never intended to associate the ethnic group with the incident.
In a letter dated Monday, July 6, 2026, and addressed to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Prof. Omotayo expressed profound regret over the misunderstanding arising from the interview.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, the Director General 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.
The statement said Prof. Omotayo neither intended to attribute responsibility for the attempted attack on the Institute to the Berom people nor to suggest the existence of any organised militia associated with the Berom Nation.
He expressed his sincere apologies to the Berom Nation for the unintended offence and 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.
Prof. Omotayo also reaffirmed his profound respect for the Berom Nation, acknowledging 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 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 its host communities.
According to the statement, the initiatives include 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, as well as the execution of community-impact projects.
He emphasised that the initiatives reflect his enduring belief that the wellbeing of the host communities is inseparable from the success and stability of the Institute.
Prof. Omotayo appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of heightening tensions while the relevant security agencies continue their investigations into the attempted attack on the Institute.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of NIPSS to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with all its host communities, assuring that the Institute would continue to support initiatives that foster unity, security and sustainable development.
