By Emmanuel Nduka
Suspected gunmen have attacked the staff quarters of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer in what appears to be a deadly follow-up to an alleged extortion threat against senior officials of the institution.
The attack, which occurred late Monday night, targeted residences within the prestigious policy institute’s staff housing area, sparking fresh concerns over the security situation in the country.
While NIPSS management confirmed that a security incident occurred around the institute, sources disclosed that the assailants may have been pursuing senior officials who had earlier received handwritten threats demanding large sums of money.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, said:
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.”
He, however, did not provide details about the casualties or the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Samuel said security operatives swiftly responded to the incident and restored calm.
“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he added.
However, sources familiar with the incident told journalists that the attackers specifically targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.
According to the sources, the two officials had, on Saturday, discovered handwritten notes pasted on their doors demanding payments of $100,000 and N15 million respectively. The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management and security authorities.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the slain security personnel were killed during a gun battle with the attackers.
“During the day, local security watch the staff quarters. At night, soldiers and police are deployed to provide security in the area. It is believed that the attackers came to the houses of the staff they earlier sent notes demanding money from them,” the source said.
NIPSS management said security agencies have commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies.
“The Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of all members of the Institute community and appreciates the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response,” Dr. Samuel said.
The bodies of the deceased security operatives have since been deposited in a mortuary, while investigations continue into the attack.
