Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has clarified reports surrounding a viral video that showed residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area fleeing their homes, explaining that the movement was prompted by fear and rumours of a possible bandit attack, not an actual assault by armed groups.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Governor Aliyu stressed that Nigerians remain the strongest defenders of the country and called for unity and sustained hope in the face of security challenges.
According to him, 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 taken for granted.
The governor said this reality makes the welfare of serving security personnel and the responsibility of caring for the families of fallen heroes a top national priority.
Addressing widespread social media claims that bandit kingpin Bello Turji chased villagers out of Tidibale, the governor dismissed the narrative as misleading.
> “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.”
Governor Aliyu explained that the rumour of an impending bandit attack caused panic and fear among residents, prompting local authorities to act swiftly to prevent possible loss of lives.
> “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.”
He further disclosed that the state government has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) in the area to strengthen security and complement the efforts of existing security agencies.
Governor Aliyu added that the affected residents have since returned safely to their ancestral homes in Tidibale village, noting that security agencies have intensified patrols to forestall any breach of peace by criminal elements.
A statement issued by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, quoted the governor as reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting citizens, especially those in security-challenged communities.
> “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 speaking on the significance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, assured residents that the military remains resolute in restoring lasting peace across states under its operational jurisdiction.
> “We just want to assure the good people of Sokoto 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.
The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over insecurity in parts of Sokoto State, where rumours of bandit activity often trigger fear-driven displacement in rural communities.
