Reactions as NIPSS DG Prof. Ayo Omotayo Links Recent Institute Attack to ‘Berom Militia’
Strong reactions have continued to trail comments by the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, after he linked the recent attack on the institute in Kuru, Plateau State, to what he described as a “Berom militia.”
Speaking during a television interview after the attack, Prof. Omotayo said he had received anonymous phone calls from individuals claiming to be members of a “Berom militia,” who allegedly threatened the institute over what they described as ancestral land and compensation issues.
He maintained that his comments were based on the threats he received and not an attempt to stigmatise the Berom ethnic group.
The remarks, however, sparked widespread criticism across Plateau State, with many Berom groups, youth organisations and concerned citizens describing the statement as reckless, unverified and capable of fuelling ethnic tension.
Critics argued that there is no known or recognised group called “Berom militia” and insisted that associating an entire ethnic nationality with criminality without conclusive evidence amounts to ethnic profiling.
They called on the NIPSS Director-General to retract the statement and apologise to the Berom people.
Several stakeholders also expressed concern that comments from a public official occupying such a sensitive national office should be measured, factual and based on verified security intelligence rather than allegations that could inflame passions in an already fragile security environment.
The controversy has generated intense debate on social media, with many Plateau residents urging leaders and citizens alike to defend the state’s image against what they describe as unfair stereotyping while allowing security agencies to complete their investigations into the attack.
Following the backlash, Prof. Ayo Omotayo later issued a public apology, clarifying that he did not intend to accuse the Berom nation or suggest that an organised “Berom militia” exists.
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