Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has joined other dignitaries in the state to observe the symbolic wreath-laying ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Other dignitaries who laid wreaths at the event included the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Saidu Muhammad Sifawa; the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ajose; the Commander, 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Gumut; the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa; the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Alhaji Aliyu Danchadi; and a representative of widows of fallen heroes, Jamila Gambo.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu refuted a viral video alleging that residents of Tidibale community were chased away by bandits from their village. He clarified that the individuals seen in the footage were temporarily relocated to Isa Local Government headquarters by the local council following rumours of a planned bandit attack.
The Governor explained that the affected community members have since returned to their village, adding that security has been reinforced in the area.
He further warned against the politicisation of security issues, stressing the need for citizens to cooperate with the state government and security agencies in their collective efforts to ensure peace and safety across the state.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ajose, assured residents of Tidibale and surrounding communities of continued security presence, urging them to go about their normal lawful activities without fear.
Major General Ajose also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for approving the distribution of food items to widows of fallen heroes in the state, describing the initiative as the first of its kind.
Out of the 500 bags of rice, along with cooking oil and salt procured by the state government, 50 were allocated to the barracks community, while 450 will be distributed to members of the Nigerian Legion across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The wreath-laying ceremony traditionally marks the final activity of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual nationwide event held to honour fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
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