By LONGDI MANBIS

Plateau Government has described as fake, a message circulating on various WhatsApp groups directing farmers in the state to submit their personal details to a private phone number for an agricultural support programme.

Mr Peter Gai, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, dismissed the claim in a statement on Friday in Jos.

The viral message, titled “Good news for our farmers on the Plateau”, claimed that the commissioner had directed farmers to send their details to a private phone number to enable them benefit from government intervention.

Gai, who further described the message as false and misleading, said that it did not emanate from the ministry.

“In all government interventions, registration of farmers and input distribution are not conducted through private WhatsApp numbers.

“The ministry conducts its activities through recognised and official channels, including agricultural departments in the various Local Government Areas (LGAs), extension agents and our office at the state secretariat,” he said.

Gai advised farmers and the general public to disregard the message and desist from sharing personal information, bank details and BVN with fraudsters.

The commissioner urged farmers to verify information on government’s agricultural programmes from the ministry, State-owned radio stations or agriculture office in their LGAs. (NAN)