VICE PRESIDENT Kashim Shettima on Friday visited the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, following the recent attack on the institute by gunmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen, on Tuesday morning, attacked the institute and killed three security personnel.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima promised the safety of participants and staff of the institute.
The vice president, who described the security breach as unfortunate, commended the security agencies for repelling the attack.
“I come to you today with a heavy heart because an attack on this apex policy making institution is an attack on our nation.
“But we will not allow our enemies to succeed.
“The President has directed the immediate reinforcement of security around this institute and all other strategic institutions.
“I commend the bravery of our security personnel and the military officers among the participants who joined in repelling the attack,” he said.
The vice president, who commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, said that the government would cater to the needs of their loved ones.
Earlier, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau promised to support security agencies with logistics to protect all federal institutions in the state.
Mutfwang, who said that his administration was doing its best to curb the security challenges in the state, also promised to support NIPSS at all times to succeed.
The governor thanked the vice president for the visit and commended the efforts of the Federal Government towards tackling all forms of security challenges confronting Nigeria.
In a brief welcome remark, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the Director General of the institute, also thanked Shettima for the visit.
Omotayo also expressed gratitude to Mutfwang and the security agencies for responding promptly to the unfortunate incident.
He, however, said that the institute had developed a series of solutions aimed at strengthening its internal security mechanism.
“Following the incident, the institute, working closely with very wide security agencies, immediately activated a series of political solutions aimed at strengthening security and preventing any occurrence.
“These measures include reinforcement of security personnel, review of operational procedures, enhancement of surveillance and patrol activities.
“We are also strengthening our access control systems and building a closer collaboration with all conventional security agencies,” Omotayo said. (NAN)
