By Faith Chondol
The Berom Nation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a statement describing the ethnic group as “Berom Militia,” calling the characterization false and dangerous.
The demand followed a public statement allegedly made by the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), which the Berom Nation condemned in a statement released on Friday 3rd July 2026.
The Berom Nation said the description was reckless, misleading and amounted to an injustice against an ethnic nationality that has remained committed to peaceful coexistence, nation-building and the unity of Nigeria despite years of violent attacks, displacement and loss of lives.
According to the statement, remarks made by the head of a foremost national policy institution carry significant influence on public opinion, government policies and security perceptions, making it inappropriate to associate an entire ethnic group with a militia designation.
It argued that such a label criminalises innocent citizens, exposes Berom men, women and youths to suspicion, ethnic profiling, discrimination and possible persecution, while diverting attention from the security challenges confronting Berom communities.
The statement further maintained that the Berom people are recognised for their rich cultural heritage and have produced distinguished Nigerians serving in the military, judiciary, academia, public service, business and other sectors.
It stressed that public office holders have a constitutional and moral obligation to promote national unity through balanced, objective and evidence-based communication, warning that statements capable of inflaming ethnic tensions should be avoided.
The Berom Nation consequently demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the “Berom Militia” reference, a public apology for what it described as the damaging characterisation, and a clarification that the Berom ethnic nationality should not be associated with any criminal or militia group.
It also urged greater caution in future public engagements to ensure official statements do not endanger peaceful communities or undermine national cohesion.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and constitutional order, the Berom Nation said it would continue to pursue lawful and democratic means to defend the identity, dignity and reputation of its people while resisting every attempt to malign or criminalise the ethnic nationality.
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