By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the military arrested suspects linked to the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, describing the narrative as misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, BYM said the suspects were actually apprehended by vigilant members of the Berom host community after one of the attackers killed during the assault was identified.
According to the association, community members launched a manhunt, arrested some known associates of the deceased suspect and voluntarily handed them over to the military for further investigation, describing the action as a demonstration of the long-standing collaboration between the community and security agencies.
BYM, however, expressed concern over the leakage of photographs of the suspects to social media through civilian sources, accompanied by what it described as false and misleading narratives.
The association said the development was unacceptable, noting that the individuals handed over to the military remain suspects whose rights should be protected until investigations are concluded.
It warned that the premature release of sensitive information could undermine ongoing security operations, compromise investigations and frustrate efforts to track other fleeing members of the criminal network.
The group also urged military authorities to investigate the source of the information leak and ensure that confidential security information is handled professionally.
BYM further called on the public to refrain from circulating unverified reports capable of misleading citizens and jeopardising security efforts.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and security, the association pledged continued cooperation with security agencies while advocating professionalism, transparency, accountability and fairness in the handling of security-related matters across Plateau State.
