By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed that nobody will love Nigeria more than Nigerians themselves hence the need for all citizens to remain united and hopeful.
Governor Aliyu who stated this in an interview on Thursday during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, also added that the sacrifices of our fallen heros who paid the supreme prices for this country and even that of those still in active service must never be compromised.
This, therefore the governor said the welfare of those still in active service and the responsibility of caring for the families of fallen heros should be a national top priority.
Clarifying the viral video showing locals of Tidibale village in Isa local government moving out enlarge over threat by bandit kinpin, Bello Turji, the governor said the villagers were not chased away as wrongly circulated on the social media.
"The Sokoto State Government wishes to categorically clarify that the individuals in the video are indeed residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area, but were not chased away by bandits. Rather, they were temporarily conveyed to the Isa Local Government headquarters by council authorities following a rumour that bandits were planning an 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, Alhaji Sherifu Kamarawa. Consequently, the Chairman directed that the villagers be temporarily relocated to the local government headquarters as a precautionary measure".
While divulging that the State government has approved the setting up of a Forward Operations Based (FOB) around that area to further complement existing security agencies, the governor said the affected residents have since returned safely to their ancestral homes in Tidibale village, adding that security agencies have intensified patrols in the area to forestall any possible breach of peace by criminal elements.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Director General of Media and Publicity to Governor Ahmed Aliyu so quoted the governor as saying, 'The Sokoto State Government reassures the people of the state, particularly those in security-challenged areas, of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property at all times.
"The 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".
Also commenting on the importance of the day, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose said they are not relaxing in their determined efforts to ensure that unhindered peace is restored to every state under their operational jurisdiction.
"We just want to assure the good people of Soko state and other states under the division, that the division is poised to continue to safeguard lives and property. We just want to request that the local populace continue to support us with relevant information, timely information, so that we can continue to serve them better", the GOC appealed. NNL.
