by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has assured Participants and Management that the Federal Government “will take immediate steps” to strengthen security around the nation’s premier policy institution, following the recent attack that claimed the lives of three security personnel.
This was disclosed by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, at NIPSS Kuru near Jos, during a condolence visit to the institute on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday.
He described the attack as a painful national loss, but commended the courage, discipline, and resilience displayed by participants and security personnel during the incident.
While addressing members of the Senior Executive ‘Course 48,’ the Vice President said the attackers expected panic and disorder but instead met men and women, who stood their ground, in defense of the institution and one another.
“You did not flee. You did not abandon your colleagues. You paid the price that great people sometimes pay, and you answered it with composure, courage, and discipline,” he said.
According to the VP, no examination, seminar, or thesis could better demonstrate the preparedness of the participants for national leadership than the conduct they displayed during the attack.
While conveying President Tinubu’s condolences to families of the two soldiers and one police officer, who lost their lives, while defending the Institute, the VP assured that the Federal Government would support the bereaved families.
“We mourn with you, we share your pain, and we honour their sacrifice. Those, who seek to spread fear, will not break the spirit of this nation, and they will not break the spirit of this Institute,” he stated.
The Vice President described NIPSS as a “strategic national asset” where Nigeria’s future leaders and policymakers are groomed, stressing that while criminals might attack physical structures, they could not undermine the institution’s purpose and contribution to national development.
He reassured the participants and staff, that, President Tinubu had directed the immediate reinforcement of security around NIPSS and other strategic national institutions.
“Your safety is non-negotiable. The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their blood has watered the ground on which we now stand stronger, more vigilant, and more united,” he said.
He said NIPSS would continue to enjoy the support and protection necessary from the federal government to carry out its mandate of leadership development, strategic research, and policy formulation for national progress.
He added that the attack, rather than weakening the resolve of participants, had strengthened them for future leadership responsibilities.
“The attack was meant to stop Nigeria’s future leaders. Instead, it has rebuilt them. You are that future,” he told the participants.
The Vice President also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership during the crisis, noting that his coordination with security agencies and the Plateau State Government ensured a swift response that prevented a greater tragedy.
“At a moment that tested this Institute to its core, your calm command turned crisis into control,” Shettima said.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, appreciated the Vice President for taking time to visit the institute after the unfortunate attack, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to the security of strategic national institutions.
Governor Mutfwang said the participants and security personnel had not only defended the institute but had also protected an important part of Nigeria’s national history and intellectual heritage.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, expressed appreciation to the Vice President for the visit, describing it as a strong signal of the federal government’s concern for the safety of the Institute and its personnel.
He disclosed that, following the attack, the Institute had commenced a review of its security architecture, and appealed for federal intervention to provide surveillance systems, patrol vehicles, solar-powered perimeter lighting, and additional security personnel.