Civil Defense, Peace Corps in Supremacy Battle in Osun

By Abdulrofiu Agboola, Osogbo

In what seems to be a supremacy battle, the Peace Corps of Nigeria in Osun State have been in serious battle with Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, with the two arresting and harassing each other.

It was gathered that the relationship between the two sisters have not been cordial in recent time, especially since the bill for the peace corps has been passed by the National Assembly.

The Osun State Provost of the Peace Corps, Akintayo Oluseye,  had recently alleged that he was detained, de-kit and beaten by men of the civil defense on the order of the NSCDC state commandant.

According to the Peace Corps Provost, “it started in December 15, 2016 when civil defense officer identified as Olarinoye came with a mechanic and crossed our quarter guard which is never done in any barrack.

“We prevented them but Olarinoye came back some days after and packed his car on the road that led to our barrack. We tried to plead with him but he rose in angry and he hit his head on a pole.

“He went to their barrack probably to report that we inflicted the injury on him and instead of their commandant to investigate, they started arresting any of our officers that pass through their office, tear-gas them, detained and beat them.

Speaking further, Oluseye said the issue was reported to their commandant who directed them to go and meet NSCDC commandant and settle the matter.

“Our commandant had called NSCDC boss to inform him of our coming, but, immediately we got to their entrance, their commandant ordered them to arrest me, the Deputy State Commandant of Admin, Patriot Olawale and our Field Training Officer, and lock us in their guard room.

“Their commandant came to us in the guard room, ordered our release and he asked them to bring us with the six men of our officers they have detained.

But, the commandant of NSCDC, Philip Oyedele, said it was untrue that he ordered his men to detain officers of Peace Corps, saying he was not at home when the incident happened.

According to NSCDC boss, officers of the Peace Corps have been misbehaving since their bill was passed by the National Assembly.

“I was on a television programme when I heard that one of my officers was beaten by the Peace Corps.  I invited the commandant of Peace Corps immediately after the incident and he begged me to temper justice with mercy. I have not taken step on it when their Deputy Commandant came to my compound without informing me.

Officer of NSCDC Allegedly beat by Peace Corps Officers

“They came in a mufti and try to drive in before my men stopped them.  And my men did not know their mission. If I did not enter the barrack on that day, we would have been saying another thing because my men were fully armed when they came.

“I have instructed their commandant to produce Alata and Adamu, who were reported to have beaten my men to come and apologize.”