Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Kano State Command has denied reports that its personnel stationed at Dansoshiya grazing reserve in Kiru Local Government Area are allegedly extorting money from farmers in the area.
Dansoshiya grazing reserve project is being handled by a firm, MCI Nigeria Limited, employed by Kano State Agro- Pastoral Development Project in partnership with Islamic Development Bank.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available journalists, yesterday.
According to the statement, the story was concocted by mischief makers (farmers) in Dansoshiya village to discredit and dent the good image of the organization.
“The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command has been drawn to a misleading news story making the rounds, that personnel of the Corps stationed at Dansoshiya grazing reserve allegedly extorted money from farmers.
“This is far from the truth. The command wishes to state unequivocally that this news (information) is false, untrue, misleading, and unfounded. It was concocted by mischief makers in the area (Dansoshiya) to discredit and dent the good image of our organization.
“To set the record straight, corps personnel in the area have never collected money or any gratification from farmers in the name of a fine or a fee for farmland clearance.
“Conversely, it may interest the public that some individuals in the area (Dansoshiya) had on different occasions offered bribes to be allowed to clear land for farming, which our operatives declined and turned down.
“Since then, some disgruntled elements (farmers) among them have vowed to smear our name black; a move they’ve started but apparently won’t bear any fruit,” the statement said.
It said no amount of blackmail, mischief making, campaign of calumny and vilification will deter the NSCDC personnel from doing what they ought to do; that is, protecting and safeguarding the 3000 hectares of land for the Dansoshiya grazing reserve.
“The Corps will ensure vigorous pursuit of this mandate. Encroachment on the 3,000 hectares of land remains illegal. Anybody found in the act of encroachment will be arrested and legal action instituted against them.
“Already, there is a State High Court order restraining encroachment in the grazing reserve, and the corps has been directed to ensure compliance.
“Sadly, there is a security report of miscreants planning to cause chaos and disharmony around Dansoshiya over the weekend, the corps is hereby advising organisers to have a rethink as the Corps will never condone breach of public peace.
The Command assures peace-loving farmers in Kano of adequate security and the safety of their lives.
