Gunmen on Monday night launched an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, leaving three people dead, including a police officer.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire on security personnel stationed at the gate of the institute, leading to a gun duel with guards on duty.
A staff member of the institute, who asked not to be named, said the incident happened while people were asleep.
He said, “I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused commotion within the NIPSS. It turned out that the institution was under attack.”
The source added that security operatives responded quickly and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange to prevent them from entering the premises.
“Thank God security was reinforced, and the attackers fled. But they succeeded in killing two persons at the gate before they ran away. A soldier and a policeman were the victims. It’s very unfortunate,” the staff member said.
He further noted that “Three persons lost their lives during the attack, including a policeman and another officer attached to the institute’s security detail,” adding that the rapid response of security forces stopped the attackers from causing more damage inside the facility.
A resident of the area, Bulus Haruna, said the sound of sustained gunfire caused panic among nearby communities.
The reason behind the attack had not been established at the time of filing the report, the source said.
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful, while the institute’s management also did not immediately respond.
However, in a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Osime Samuel, NIPSS confirmed that a security incident occurred around the institute in the early hours of the day.
The statement added that the situation was quickly brought under control through the intervention of security agencies, noting that there is no threat to staff, participants, or facilities, and normal activities continue.
It also stated that security agencies have begun investigations into the incident and urged the public to avoid speculation while inquiries are ongoing.
The institute reaffirmed its commitment to safety and said it would continue to work with security agencies to ensure further updates are communicated when available.
