Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed that no one will love Nigeria more than Nigerians themselves, stressing the need for unity, patriotism and hope in the country.
Governor Aliyu stated this on Thursday during an interview at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, where he emphasized that the sacrifices of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price for the nation, as well as those still serving in active duty, must never be compromised.
The governor also clarified a viral video showing residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area relocating from their community, saying they were not chased away by bandits as alleged on social media.
According to him, the individuals in the video are residents of Tidibale village who were temporarily conveyed to the Isa Local Government headquarters by council authorities following a rumor of a planned bandit attack on the community.
“Upon receiving the information, which understandably created tension and anxiety among residents, the councillor representing the ward, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, promptly reported the matter to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sherifu Kamarawa.
“Consequently, the chairman directed that the villagers be temporarily relocated to the local government headquarters as a precautionary measure,” the governor said.
Aliyu disclosed that the state government had approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) in the area to complement the efforts of existing security agencies.
He added that the affected residents had since returned safely to their ancestral homes in Tidibale village, while security agencies had intensified patrols to forestall any breach of peace by criminal elements.
In a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, Aliyu reassured residents, particularly those in security-challenged areas, of the government’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“The Sokoto State Government will continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and vigilante groups to safeguard rural communities across the state,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Also speaking on the significance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the division remained resolute in its efforts to restore lasting peace across all states under its operational jurisdiction.
He assured residents of Sokoto State and other states within the division that the military would continue to safeguard lives and property, while urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
Governor Aliyu also stressed that the welfare of personnel still in active service and the responsibility of caring for the families of fallen heroes should remain a national priority.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting the government and security agencies with relevant and timely information to enhance service delivery and security operations across the state.
