Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into confusion and fear following a reported United States airstrike that occurred late on Friday night.
The incident, which happened without prior warning, left many locals stunned as a fiery object was seen descending rapidly from the sky, accompanied by a deafening sound that shook nearby homes.
Due to the intensity of the noise and the blazing object falling at high speed, several residents initially believed that a passenger aircraft or military plane had crashed within the community.
Abubakar Shehu Jabo, a resident of the area and the Information Officer for Tambuwal Local Government Area, confirmed that the incident occurred around 10:30 pm.
According to him, the sudden explosion caused panic, forcing many people out of their homes in fear for their lives.
“Because of the loud noise and the speed at which the burning object descended, many of us thought it was an air crash,” he explained.
“But when we cautiously moved closer, we realised it was not an aircraft but something else entirely,” he added, noting that residents were still trying to understand what exactly happened.
Community Leaders Speak Out
In response to the growing fear and speculation, Sarkin Fawan Jabo, Muhammadu Abubkar, addressed the community in an effort to calm nerves and clarify the situation.
He stressed that Jabo town and the neighbouring community of Bargini have always been known for their peaceful coexistence and have no known links to terrorists, bandits, or other criminal groups.
The traditional leader recalled that the only notable security challenge in the area occurred in the year 2000, when a kidnapping incident was recorded, but emphasized that the region has remained calm and stable since then.
“We do not harbor terrorists or bandits in our communities. This place has been calm and peaceful for a very long time, which makes this incident even more disturbing,” he said.
He called on relevant authorities to provide clarity and reassurance to residents who are still shaken by the unexpected development.
Families Terrified by Explosion
Another resident from the neighbouring Bargini community described the blast as catastrophic and terrifying.
According to the resident, many villagers were preparing to go to bed when the explosion occurred, followed by thick smoke and intense flames lighting up the night sky.
The sudden event triggered chaos, as families rushed out of their homes, some grabbing children and personal belongings while seeking safety away from the source of the explosion.
Several residents reportedly spent hours outside their homes, fearful of possible follow-up blasts or further danger.
Questions Raised Over Security Measures
The unexpected airstrike has since generated widespread concern beyond Sokoto State, with Nigerians from different parts of the country questioning how and why such a military operation could take place in areas long regarded as safe and free from extremist activity.
Citizens have also raised concerns about intelligence accuracy, civilian safety, and the communication gap between authorities and local communities.
As of now, residents say they are still waiting for official explanations to fully understand the nature of the incident and its implications for security in the region.