Institute boss makes peace pilgrimage to Gbong Gwom Jos after firestorm over security breach remarks
In a dramatic act of reconciliation, the Director-General of Nigeria’s premier policy institute has visited the revered Berom monarch to offer a public apology over comments that sparked outrage across Plateau State.
Prof. Ayo Omotayo, head of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, led his management team to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, on Tuesday in what many are calling a peace mission to douse ethnic tensions.
The Offending Comment
The controversy erupted when Omotayo, during a media interview about a recent security breach at the institute, allegedly suggested that a militia group existed among the Berom people. The remark triggered a wave of condemnation from the Berom community and beyond.
‘Sincere and Unreserved’ Apology
Standing before the paramount ruler, Omotayo offered a full retraction:
“Your Majesty, I stand before you today not only as the director general of NIPSS, but as a stakeholder deeply connected to this community and fully committed to the peace, unity and stability of Plateau.”
He emphasised: “It was never my intention to attribute blame to the Berom people or to cast aspersions on any community. I recognise that my comments have been interpreted in ways that caused concern and distress; for this I offer my sincere and unreserved apologies.”
Berom Elders Respond
Accepting the apology on behalf of the Gbong Gwom, Berom Elders Forum Chairman Dachollom Jambol thanked the DG for the visit but made a crucial demand:
The elders called for an immediate in-depth investigation into the institute’s security breach, warning that jumping to conclusions would be “presumptuous and preemptive.”
“So as a nation, we are asking that a serious panel or whatever team the government deems fit should be set up immediately to investigate the issues,” Jambol stated.
Path Forward
Omotayo assured that NIPSS would continue investing in youth empowerment, particularly from the host community, and is working closely with security agencies to prevent future breaches.
