The Jigawa State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has expressed strong dismay over reports of fraudsters extorting money from farmers under the guise of fake agricultural intervention programmes.
In a press statement, AFAN State Chairman, Engineer Auwal Garba Ibrahim, vowed to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
He warned farmers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the association or security agencies.
“The association has observed with dismay how the suspected fraudsters go about impersonating AFAN leaders, collecting money from farmers in the name of registration for special agricultural interventions. The programme mentioned by these fraudsters is fake and non-existent,” he said.
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Engineer Auwal criticised the scheme, stating it could damage trust between farmers and leaders, thereby undermining federal and state agricultural policies.
“We want to make it clear that the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Jigawa State Chapter, has no such practice. We do not charge farmers for any of our services or support programmes by the Federal or State Government or any organisation. We strongly condemn this illegal, inhuman, and unethical behaviour. The syndicate involved in this extortion scheme are not legitimate leaders or agents of our association,” he stated.
AFAN urged farmers to remain cautious and report any such fraudulent activities to local authorities or the association’s office.
“We encourage vigilance and collaboration to safeguard the integrity of agricultural programmes in Jigawa State,” the statement concluded.
