JOS — Tension and apprehension have gripped communities in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State following two separate deadly attacks by gunmen on Tuesday, which left at least eight people dead and several others injured.
In the first incident, assailants invaded the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, where three security personnel were reportedly killed in the early hours of the morning.
Hours later, attackers laid siege to a mining site in Gero village, Gyel District, resulting in the deaths of five persons, with numerous others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
The distance between Gero village and NIPSS is approximately several kilometres.
‘We Heard Sporadic Gunshots’
An eyewitness, Mr Dung Rwang, a resident of a nearby community adjacent to NIPSS, confirmed to Daily Champion that they were sleeping when they heard sporadic gunshots.
“The ugly scenario threw community members into confusion as they ran out for safety. But after a while, when the attackers were chased out, normalcy returned to the community,” Mr Rwang said.
“It is very unfortunate that gunmen would invade NIPSS, a reputable citadel of learning hosting professionals from various fields of endeavour, including security agents, over the years, designing policy frameworks for government actionable plans. Then, it is evidently clear that nobody is safe as far as security in Nigeria is concerned,” he added.
NIPSS Denies Social Media Reports
In a dramatic twist, Dr Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs Department at NIPSS, confirmed the incident but vehemently dispelled publications circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.
Dr Samuel emphasised that there is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and that normal activities are continuing as scheduled.
He said security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms,” Dr Samuel stated.
“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.
“The Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of all members of the Institute community and appreciates the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response,” he said.
Police Confirm Death of Three Personnel
The Plateau State Police Command acknowledged the demise of three personnel as a result of the incident at NIPSS.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said: “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today (Tuesday) 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.
“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.
“Security reinforcements have been deployed and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah. The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed.
“Investigation is ongoing. The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful business,” the Police mouthpiece added.
Mining Site Attack Claims Five Lives
In a similar circumstance, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, revealed that five youths were killed on Tuesday after gunmen stormed a mining site in Gero village, Gyel District.
Mr Tengwong, who spoke to Daily Champion, said the incident occurred at approximately 3pm, adding that those who sustained injuries were hospitalised.
According to the BYM spokesman: “This latest attack comes hours after terrorists attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, resulting in the death of three security personnel.
“This underscores the alarming deterioration of security within the area and raises serious concerns about the safety of residents and critical national institutions,” Mr Tengwong noted.
Our correspondent also learned that security agents were unable to arrest even one assailant from the two separate attacks.
