Plateau Govt Warns Farmers Against Fake Agricultural Support Programme
The Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has warned farmers against a fraudulent message circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, claiming that the government has introduced a new agricultural support programme.
The message, titled “GOOD NEWS FOR OUR FARMERS ON THE PLATEAU,” directs farmers to submit personal information, including their names, phone numbers, email addresses, farm locations and farm sizes, to a WhatsApp number, 09139616236, for registration.
In a statement issued by the Information Officer on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Peter Nyam Gai, the Ministry described the message as false and urged members of the public to disregard it.
The Ministry clarified that the Commissioner did not authorise, approve or direct the circulation of the message.
It also stressed that the Ministry does not collect farmers’ personal information through unauthorised or personal WhatsApp numbers.
According to the statement, all genuine government agricultural interventions, input distribution, empowerment programmes and related initiatives will be communicated through official and verified government channels.
These include the Plateau State Government’s official platforms, the Ministry’s verified communication channels, the Plateau State Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), as well as relevant Local Government Chairmen and District Heads.
The Ministry therefore urged farmers across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas to refrain from sharing personal information with the number contained in the fake message to avoid falling victim to fraud, identity theft or other forms of criminal exploitation.
It warned that any attempt to impersonate the Commissioner’s office for fraudulent purposes would be reported to relevant security agencies for investigation and appropriate action.
The Ministry appreciated farmers for their continued trust and assured them of the Plateau State Government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture, improving food security and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
It reiterated that any authentic agricultural support programme or intervention would be officially announced through the appropriate government channels.
Plateau Govt Warns Farmers Against Fake Agricultural Support Programme