Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has assured families of fallen heroes in the state of government support to cushion effects of their sufferings.
Soludo made the pledge during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) celebration at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka on Sunday.
He said his government remained grateful to the departed armed forces personnel and would support their families to cushion their pains while assuring that ex-service men would be made to get the attention they deserved.
He urged the continued support of the security agencies towards ensuring to return of peace in Anambra, adding that the criminal elements would never succeed in bending the will of the people for a peaceful and livable state.
The governor commended security agencies for their contributions toward ensuring peace in Nigeria and the state in particular.
He said that their commitment to national unity and sacrifices could not be quantified, adding that they had been crucial stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
The governor said the Army and other security agencies had helped to recover eight local government areas which he said were under siege at the time he assumed office in March 2022.
He,however, extended heartfelt condolences to families of personnel who died in the line of duty.
Soludo led top officials of his government and heads of security agencies in Anambra to lay wreathes at the unknown soldier cenotaph in Ekwueme square.
He further performed the symbolic release of pigeons as a sign of peace after which 21 gun salutes were shot in honour of the fallen heroes.
Mrs Bestie Ozumba, a widow, laid a wreath on behalf of wives of fallen heroes.
The event had in attendance the Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, Commander of Naval Outpost, Odoekpe, state Commissioner of Police, Sector Commander of FRSC and Head of Nigeria Immigration Services among others.
NAN