NSCDC sensitises Kwara traders on peaceful coexistence

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have embarked on sensitisation of traders in Kwara on the need for peaceful coexistence and report any security threat to avoid conflicts.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Makinde Ayinla, said this at the Mandate market on Wednesday in Ilorin.

Ayinla urged the people buying and selling to live in peace and avoid anything that might result to conflict.

The Commandant, represented by DC AbdulFatai Adeoye, said that in case of any problem, the sellers should report to the nearest Civil Defence Office in the state.

He said that NSCDC have operational offices across the 774 local government areas of the country and there are several NSCDC outposts within each state where people could access in case of any problem.

“NSCDC offices are always open for any complain or dispute and we do not charge any money for settling dispute 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,” he said.

Mr Saleeman Jamiu, the Chairman of Cattle Sellers Association in Mandate market, thanked the command for their visit and promised to always report any issue or conflict that might arose.

Jamiu said that there had been some issues in the past which they settled in court and it costs them lot of money, adding that they will now report to corps henceforth.

“In case of any other issue that may come up, we will contact Civil Defence, knowing that settlement of conflicts and problems will be solved free of charge,” he said.

Mr. Babawale Afolabi, a trader at the market, later told newsmen that the visit was to create awareness on the NSCDC Amended Act 2007, which empowers the corps to arrange and mediate in disputes.

Afolabi noted that the corps settle disputes among willing members of the public in order to sustain and further promote peace and harmonious coexistence among natives and other ethnic nationalities.