Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, who represents Plateau North in the National Assembly, has condemned the director general of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for describing attackers of the institution as "Berom militias". The NIPSS boss made the remarks during a television interview on Friday while discussing three separate attacks on the facility over two weeks.
Dachungyang issued a statement on Saturday rejecting what he called an insulting characterisation of the Berom people and Plateau State. He said any attempt to misrepresent the Berom or other ethnic groups in the state would face stiff resistance.
"The identity of the Berom people is deeply rooted in values of integrity, hospitality, communal harmony, and their peaceful nature towards their neighbours and visitors alike," Dachungyang said. He stressed that the community's positive reputation has been widely acknowledged and cannot be damaged by false narratives.
The senator noted that the Berom and other groups in Plateau State have endured severe losses from unprovoked attacks. He argued that labelling the Berom as having a militia directly attacks the people's character.
Dachungyang highlighted the long history of peaceful coexistence between NIPSS and Kuru since the institute's establishment in 1979. He pointed out that the community has been a welcoming host with no record of confrontation with the institution.
"The sixteen DGs who superintended over the affairs of the Institution have had nothing but kind words in describing the host community," he told reporters. "So I am surprised as to where Professor Omotayo got this 'militia' description from."
The lawmaker acknowledged that the Kuru community has raised legitimate concerns about land compensation. He noted that discussions on this issue have remained civil and constructive.
"I understand that the Kuru community has been engaging the Institute on this matter, and at no time has there been an open confrontation," Dachungyang said. He questioned how Omotayo concluded that the attackers were Berom militia given the absence of any tension between the two parties.
Dachungyang added that the community's values—built over generations—stand as testimony to their integrity. He insisted that no official, regardless of rank, would be permitted to diminish these established qualities.
