NIPSS Director-General Prof. Ayo Omotayo has apologised to the Berom Nation and the people of Plateau State over remarks that sparked controversy, as stakeholders renewed calls for peace and an independent inquiry into recent attacks.
NIPSS Director-General Prof. Ayo Omotayo during a reconciliation visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, where he apologised over remarks that generated public concern.
NIPSS Director-General Prof. Ayo Omotayo during a reconciliation visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, where he apologised over remarks that generated public concern.
Prof. Omotayo made the apology on Tuesday during a visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, where he met with traditional leaders and elders in what observers described as a significant step toward easing tensions generated by the controversial remarks.
The NIPSS Director-General explained that his earlier comments had been misunderstood and were never intended to blame, stigmatise or offend the Berom people or any other ethnic community in Plateau State.
Expressing regret over the controversy, he acknowledged the concerns raised by members of the public and reaffirmed the institute's commitment to promoting dialogue, national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's diverse communities.
Prof. Omotayo stressed that NIPSS, as Nigeria's foremost policy think tank, remains committed to fostering constructive engagement on national issues and supporting initiatives capable of strengthening peace and social cohesion.
His apology follows days of public reactions after comments attributed to him drew criticism from groups and stakeholders in Plateau, many of whom argued that the remarks could undermine ongoing efforts to address the state's complex security challenges.
Responding on behalf of the Gbong Gwom Jos, the Chairman of the Berom Elders Council, Dr. Dachollom Jambol, accepted the apology and commended Prof. Omotayo for personally visiting the traditional institution to address the concerns.
He described the visit as a demonstration of humility and leadership, noting that sincere dialogue remains essential to healing divisions and strengthening relationships among communities.
Dr. Jambol, however, said achieving lasting peace in Plateau would require more than reconciliation meetings, urging authorities to ensure accountability for the recurring attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives across the state.
The Berom Elders Council renewed its call on the Plateau State Government to establish an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the recent wave of attacks affecting several communities.
According to Dr. Jambol, an impartial investigation would help establish the facts surrounding the violence, identify those responsible, deliver justice to victims and recommend practical measures to prevent future attacks.
The call comes as Plateau continues to grapple with recurring violence in communities across Bokkos, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and other parts of the state, where repeated attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property.
Community leaders have consistently argued that transparent investigations and accountability are necessary to restore public confidence and prevent further cycles of violence.
Tuesday's meeting reflects broader efforts by traditional institutions, government officials and civil society organisations to encourage dialogue as part of long-term peacebuilding initiatives in Plateau State.
Observers say the engagement between the NIPSS leadership and the Berom traditional institution demonstrates the important role dialogue can play in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships among key stakeholders.
While accepting the apology, community leaders maintained that addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and ensuring justice for victims remain essential steps toward achieving sustainable peace across Plateau State.
Prime Brief Media understands that consultations among government officials, traditional rulers and security stakeholders are expected to continue as efforts intensify to restore confidence and promote lasting peace in communities affected by recurring violence.
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