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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Sam Ode, laid wreaths to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.
Alia, during the occasion, stressed the need for Nigeria to remain one indivisible entity as a mark of honour to members of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price by giving up their lives in defence of the peace and territorial integrity of the nation.
The governor, who led members of the State Executive Council, State Assembly, top judicial officials, traditional rulers, service chiefs and others, joined heads of military formations in the state to lay the wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was the climax of activities marking this year’s celebration.
Other dignitaries who laid wreaths included the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Berger Alfred Emberga; the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse; the Och’Idoma, Dr John Odogbo; members of the Legion of Ex-Servicemen; and other uniformed personnel.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, which was held at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square, Makurdi, Governor Alia acknowledged the contributions of men and officers of the Armed Forces towards protecting lives and property not only in Benue, but across the nation.
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Governor Alia, who appreciated the Nigerian Armed Forces for the work they do, also called for support for the families of those who died in the line of duty.
During the ceremony, the governor inspected the guard of honour, while special prayers were offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the Armed Forces.
The celebration started with a series of activities, including Jumma’at prayers at the Central Mosque and an interdenominational Christian service at Deeper Life Full Gospel Bible Church, High Level, in Makurdi.
The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration but now called the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, is to create an avenue to celebrate and honour serving personnel of the Armed Forces.
Highlights of the event were the 21-gun salute and the release of pigeons to signify peace in the state. The event also featured a free medical outreach for the public.
