The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kwara state command, today, Wednesday stormed major markets in the state to sensitize people on the need for peaceful coexistence among neighbours and to report any problem that may arise, to avoid conflicts.
Kwara Commandant of the Corps, Makinde Iskil Ayinla, at Mandate market, Ilorin 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 Nigeria and there are several NSCDC Outposts within the state, that 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 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,” he said.
Mr Saleeman Jamiu, Chairman of Cattle sellers in Mandate thanked the command for their visit and promised to always report any issues or conflicts that may arise.
Jamiu, said that there had been some issues in the past, which they settled in court and it costs them lots of money, adding that they will report to Civil Defence henceforth.
“In case of any other issue that may come up, we will contact Civil Defence, knowingly that settlement of conflicts and problems will be solved free of charge,” he said.
Speaking with the pressmen at Mandate market, Mr Babawale Afolabi said that the visit was to create awareness of the NSCDC Amended Act 2007, which empowers the corps to arrange and mediate in disputes.
Afolabi said that the corps settles disputes among willing members of the public, to sustain and further promote existing peaceful and harmonious coexistence among natives and other ethnic nationalities.
