The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has debunked a video clip circulating on social media alleging that residents of Tidibali village in Isah Local Government Area were chased out of their homes by bandits.
Governor Aliyu spoke while responding to questions from journalists during the 2025 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day ceremony held in Sokoto, where he paid tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation.
Governor Aliyu described the video as false, misleading, and deliberately fabricated by individuals who derive pleasure from politicising security challenges in the state.
He stressed that at no time were the people of Tidibali forcefully displaced by bandits.
According to Governor Aliyu, the temporary evacuation of the villagers was a proactive decision taken by local government authorities after receiving credible intelligence that bandits were planning to attack the community.
He explained that the move was purely a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
He further disclosed that security presence in the area had since been significantly reinforced, leading to the restoration of calm in the community.
“As a result, the evacuated residents have safely returned to their homes and are going about their normal activities,” he said.
He reassured the people of Sokoto State of his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across all parts of the state.
The Governor warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could cause unnecessary panic and undermine ongoing security efforts.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, said army remain poised to continue to safeguard the lives and properties of people in the state.
He called on communities to continue to supply security operatives with timely intelligence reports to enable army take proactive measure for sustainable peace and security.
According to him, the nationwide commemorations and celebration was dedicated to honouring the bravery, sacrifice and enduring service of Nigerian military personnel who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.
Heroes sacrifices
He noted that the event reaffirmed the nation’s collective resolve to remember heroes sacrifices and underscored the Armed forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and security.
General Ajose urged troops deployed at various operations to continue to remain committed towards restoring peace and security for sustainable socioeconomic development of the country.
Lateefah Ibrahim