Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has approved the distribution of food items to 500 widows of fallen heroes as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in the state.
Speaking during the wreath-laying ceremony held in Sokoto, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Ajose, commended the governor for the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind in the state. He said the initiative would go a long way in supporting the families of those who made sacrifices for national security.
Out of the 500 bags of rice 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 food items also include cooking oil and salt for the beneficiaries.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who led other dignitaries at the event, joined in the symbolic wreath-laying ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Other dignitaries who participated 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; 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 after the ceremony, Governor Aliyu addressed a viral video suggesting that residents of Tidibale community were driven out by bandits. He clarified that the people seen in the video were only relocated to Isa Local Government headquarters after rumours of a possible attack.
“The community members have since returned home, and security has been strengthened in the area,” the governor said. He cautioned against politicising security matters and urged residents to work with the state government and security agencies to maintain peace across the state.
Major General Ajose assured residents of Tidibale and nearby communities of continued security presence and encouraged them to go about their normal activities without fear.
The wreath-laying event marked the end of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which is held annually to honour fallen heroes who gave their lives in defence of the country.
