Gunmen have attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer attached to the institution’s staff quarters.
The attack reportedly occurred on Monday night while the security personnel were on duty at the staff quarters of the institute.
The Head of Public Affairs of NIPSS, Dr Osime Samuel, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as a security breach around the institution.
“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,” Samuel said.
He said the situation was brought under control following the swift response of security personnel, adding that there was no current threat to participants, staff, residents or facilities of the institute.
According to him, normal activities at the institute were continuing as scheduled.
Samuel said security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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,” he said.
He added that the management of NIPSS remained committed to the safety and security of all members of the institute community and appreciated the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response.
However, sources said the attackers allegedly targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff, Professor Haruna Dabin.
According to the sources, the affected staff had earlier received handwritten notes pasted on their doors on Saturday, demanding $100,000 and ₦15 million each.
The matter was said to have been reported to the management of the institute before the gunmen struck.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the soldiers and police officer were killed during an exchange of gunfire 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.
The bodies of the slain security personnel have reportedly been deposited in the mortuary.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over insecurity around strategic national institutions and the safety of staff and residents in the area.
More details here...
