The Jigawa State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has raised an alarm over the activities of fraudsters extorting money from unsuspecting farmers in the state.
The association, under the leadership of Engineer Auwal Garba Ibrahim, denounced these impostors and called for immediate action to curb their illegal activities.
In a statement issued on December 10, 2024, AFAN disclosed that unscrupulous individuals falsely claiming to represent the association had been demanding fees from farmers under the pretense of providing services related to government agricultural programs.
The association clarified that it does not collect money for any of its services, emphasizing that all its support programs are free of charge.
“We strongly condemn this illegal, inhuman, and unethical behavior,” the statement read. “The syndicate involved in this extortion scheme are not legitimate representatives of our association. Farmers and the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities or our office.”
To address the situation, AFAN has launched an investigation and is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. Farmers have also been advised to engage only with verified AFAN officials to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The association commended Governor Umar Namadi for his proactive efforts in visiting distribution centers and ensuring the welfare of the state’s citizens. It also expressed support for the governor’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, pledging to continue offering transparent and ethical services to farmers.
How farmers can protect themselves:
- Do not pay any fees or share personal financial information with anyone claiming to represent AFAN.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to local authorities, security agencies, or the AFAN office.
For inquiries or to report fraudulent activities, farmers can contact Nura Ado Gwaram, the state Assistant Secretary of AFAN via phone at 08036134126 or email at jigawaafan@gmail.com.
AFAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the state, assuring the public of its dedication to their well-being.
