NSCDC Storms Major Markets In Kwara On Peace Advocacy Mission
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has embarked on sensitisation of market sellers on the need for peaceful coexistence among themselves, while urging them to report whatever misunderstanding that might arise so as to avoid conflict.
Commandant of the state NSCDC, Makinde Iskil Ayinla, on Wednesday, at Mandate market, Ilorin, urged the people, buyers and sellers, to live in peace and avoid anything that might result in conflict.
The Commandant, represented by DC AbdulFatai Adeoye, said in case of any misunderstanding, they should report to the nearest Civil Defence Office in the state, adding that the NSCDC has operational offices across the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria, while there are several NSCDC Outposts within the state they could access in case of any problem.
He said: “NSCDC offices are always open for any complaints or dispute and we do not charge any money for settling disputes and investigating any case.
“It is better to report misunderstanding before it leads to conflict and goes out of control, than to quarrel and fight.”
Mr Saleeman Jamiu, Chairman of Cattle sellers in Mandate, on his part, thanked the Command for the sensitisation visit, promising to always report any issue or conflict that may arise to the office of the NSCDC. .
Jamiu said that there had been some issues in the past, which they settled in court, costing them huge sums of money, adding that they would henceforth report such cases to Civil Defence office.
“In case of any other issue that may come up, we will contact Civil Defence, having realised that settlement of conflicts and problems will be done free of charge,” he said.
Speaking with newsmen at Mandate market, spokesman of the Command, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, said the visit was to create awareness on the NSCDC Amended Act 2007, which empowers the Corps to mediate in disputes, adding that the Corps settles disputes among willing members of the public in order to sustain and further promote existing peaceful and harmonious coexistence between the natives and other ethnic nationalities.