Tragedy struck the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, on Monday night when armed men launched an attack near the institution’s staff residential area, killing two soldiers and a police officer.
The slain personnel were reportedly providing security within the staff quarters when the assailants stormed the area and engaged security operatives in a gun battle.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, confirmed that a security incident occurred around the facility in the early hours of the day.
Samuel said the situation was swiftly brought under control by security agencies, assuring that the institute, its staff, participants and facilities remained safe.
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the institute. The situation has been effectively contained, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he stated.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the attackers were believed to have targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a senior academic staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.
According to the sources, both officials had days earlier discovered threatening handwritten messages attached to their doors, demanding substantial sums of money.
The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management before the attack occurred.
A source who requested anonymity said the deceased security operatives confronted the attackers during the invasion, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The source explained that while community security personnel monitor the area during the day, armed soldiers and police officers are deployed at night to safeguard residents and facilities.
Investigators are said to be examining possible links between the earlier threats and the attack.
Meanwhile, the institute said it was collaborating with relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Management urged members of the public to disregard speculation and rely only on verified information from official sources as investigations progress.
The institute also commended the efforts of security personnel who responded to the attack and reiterated its commitment to the protection of staff, residents and visitors.
The remains of the three slain operatives have been deposited in a mortuary, while security agencies continue investigations into the deadly assault.
0 Comments