"I Deeply Regret": NIPSS Boss Apologizes to Berom Nation Over 'Militia' Interview Remarks

Timescope News 

Plateau State — The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has issued a formal apology to the Berom Nation, clarifying that his recent reference to a "Berom militia" during a television interview was a misinterpretation of public speculation, not an indictment of the ethnic group.

In a statement released by the Institute's management on Saturday, the DG addressed the controversy following his interview on Arise Television, which came in the wake of an attempted attack on the NIPSS facility.

The statement explained that the comments were made while responding to questions about a "rapidly evolving security situation," and were based entirely on reports and speculations already circulating publicly. The management stressed that the remarks "were neither intended to validate any of those narratives nor to attribute responsibility for the incident to the Berom people or any other ethnic group," nor were they meant to imply the existence of an organized ethnic militia.

Acknowledging the backlash, the statement noted that the Director General recognized his words "have caused concern and have been interpreted in a manner that has understandably generated anxiety among members of the Berom community." He expressed deep regret over the incident and "offers his sincere apologies to the Berom Nation for the concern and distress the remarks may have caused."

To mend fences, the statement took time to emphasize the Institute's profound respect for the Berom Nation, describing them as a "principal host community" that has shown remarkable goodwill and cooperation over the years. The DG highlighted several practical interventions his administration has championed for the community, including summer coaching programs for youths, ICT and digital skills training, mentorship initiatives, and girl-child empowerment projects.

"In the conviction that the progress of NIPSS is inseparable from the wellbeing and development of its host communities, it is therefore particularly painful that his remarks have conveyed an impression that is wholly inconsistent with his longstanding commitment," the statement read.

Concluding, the Institute pledged greater "restraint and careful verification" when commenting on sensitive security matters in the future. The DG reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to sustaining the long-standing relationship of mutual trust and cooperation between NIPSS and its host communities.