NSCDC Officer, NYSC Member Trade Blows over Food at FCTA Event

What could have resulted in bloodletting was yesterday averted as a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) engaged in fisticuffs over food at an event organised by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to mark the 2023 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

The faceoff could have degenerated but for the quick intervention of some of the guests, including journalists who were still at the venue, as other aggrieved corps members were prepared to join the bandwagon and vent anger on the aggressors.

The event held at the office of the department, located within the one of the military barracks Asokoro, was packed with guests, many of whom left in anger because of the underhand attitude of some staff of the department, who hoarded the food and drinks meant for guests. 

The fight ensued when a uniformed-NSCDC officer pounced on a male youth corps member in a subtle bid to grab a bag containing packs of rice and drinks from him.

The corps member, who spoke under anonymity, said he tried to explain to the officer that the food packs were meant for his colleagues, who were invited for the event, but his explanation fell on deaf ears. 

One of the NSCDC officers said it was wrong for the corps member to be dragging food with one of their men.

“He is wearing NYSC uniform but can’t express himself in the public, yet he has the guts to disrespect a civil defence official because of food and our people were just looking at them. This is bad. My concern is not about the food but how he was fighting with a uniformed person.

“I am angry with some of our men who were looking at the whole thing instead of manhandling the guy,” the NSCDC officer said.