by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), in Plateau State, has accused Director-General of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, near Jos, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, for having stated that, “Youths, masking as ‘Berom Militias,’ have been staging attacks on the institution to demand compensation for the use of their land.”
Based on this premise, leadership of the Association has threatened to file a lawsuit against the NIPSS Director-General (Professor Ayo Omotayo), for allegedly “making derogatory comments” about the Berom people during a television interview last Friday.
“The NIPSS DG had incurred the wrath of the Berom people and indeed a generality of Plateau people when he referred to the Berom ethnic group as ‘Berom Militias’ during the interview, following a wave of attacks on the institution in the past few weeks, which has led to the death of about four people, including security personnel.
In the light of this, the NIPSS Director-General, 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 second attempted attacks on the institute recently.
In the letter, dated Monday, 6 July, 2026, signed and issued to newsman in Jos, by Dr. Osime Samuel, Head, Public Affairs NIPSS, said Pro. 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.
Prof. 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, mentorship programmes in selected secondary schools, support for girl-child education and empowerment, as well as the execution of community-impact projects. He emphasized that these 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, while assuring that the Institute would continue to support initiatives that foster unity, security and sustainable development.
The Senator representing Northern Senatorial District, Sen. Dachungyang’s position was contained in a press statement issued on Saturday, 4th July, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eric Dung, following remarks attributed to the NIPSS Director-General during an interview on Arise News.
Sen. Dachungyang said any attempt to stereotype or misrepresent the Berom people, or any ethnic nationality in Plateau State, would be firmly resisted, insisting that such narratives undermine decades of peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse communities.
He maintained that the Berom people are widely known for their enduring values of integrity, hospitality, communal harmony and peaceful relations with both neighbours and visitors.