Follow Us on Google
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Gunmen have, for the third time in a fortnight, attacked Nigeria’s premier think-tank institution, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
The latest incident happened on Wednesday at about 11 pm when the gunmen attempted to breach the Institute’s security perimeter. Still, they were repelled by security operatives attached to the institution, leading to the death of one of the attackers during a fierce gun battle.
On June 16, armed men had invaded the institution, killing three security operatives. Again, three days ago, another security breach was reported at the institution as gunmen tried to gain access through the same perimeter fencing around the participants’ lodge. But this was denied by the management of the institution
However, NIPSS, in a statement on Thursday signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security personnel in a ferocious exchange of gunfire but were forced to retreat following what it described as a swift and coordinated response by the security forces.
Other News
According to Osime, one of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while several others reportedly escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
The statement, however, said the attackers failed to penetrate the Institute’s security perimeter, stressing that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.
Osime said, Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures have been reinforced within and around the institution.”
The institution reassured participants, staff, their families and members of the public of the utmost protection of their lives and property
NIPSS also commended the prompt response and professionalism of the security agencies and urged the public to disregard misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
