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Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has denied allegations that its men were working with former boss of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi a.k.a Auxiliary.
The denial comes after reports of pandemonium that rocked Egbeda, a suburb along the new Ife-Ibadan road on Sunday where many residents and traders of the area deserted their homes and shops for fear of being shot by hoodlums suspected to be members of factions of the recently proscribed state chapter of the NURTW.
It was alleged that Auxiliary in company of some of his men and two officers of the NSCDC allegedly invaded the house of an estranged aide, Musliudeen Muideen, with guns, axes and other dangerous weapons.
The invaders allegedly shot Muideen, and also beat up members of his household.
After the alleged attack, Muideen told journalists that apart from the beating, he was abducted and driven to the headquarters of Operation Burst, and handed over to the state Commander.
Commander of the Operation Burst, Captain Osolo, who confirmed that some NURTW men were brought to the outfit, said he released the men when he discovered that nothing incriminating was found on them.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NSCDC stressed that its men were not involved in the harrassment, brutalization or abduction of anybody.
The State Commandant, Dr. John Oyedokun Adewoye, said allegations that his men kidnapped one Ajanaku and others, were false.
The statement signed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer (CDPRO), SC Oluwole Olusegun, said: “On that fateful day, the command received a distress call from the manager of Ashley filling station along Ife-Ibadan expressway, that some hoodlums gathered at the filling station with weapons, hence the need to deploy officers to the place.
“Immediately the hoodlums sighted NSCDC operatives, some of them took to their heels while one of the ring leaders named Ajanaku and two others were apprehended and handed over to Operation Burst Commander for further investigation.
“There has never been a time any Civil Defence Officers was trained to beat, harass or molest any lawful individual as alleged by the said Ajanaku.
“NURTW in Oyo state has been proscribed by the State Government remained banned. Moreover, NSCDC did not attached any personnel to Alh. Mukaila Lamidi a.k.a Auxiliary as speculated by the writer.
“Members of the public are encouraged not to be misinformed or lose their trust in NSCDC as protector of the Civil Populace and are urged to give timely information to nip crime in the bid across the state and the nation in particular.”
He said the corps was “established to protect lives and properties of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or creed they belong and will not condone or support illegality.”
Auxiliary had also denied the allegations, saying some members of the union, were out to tarnish his image so that Governor Seyi Makinde would stop his announcement as the new NURTW chairman.