Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have narrated terrifying moments following a U.S. airstrike late on Friday night, saying many initially believed an aircraft had crashed in the area.
One of the residents, Abubakar Shehu Jabo, who also serves as the Information Officer of Tambuwal Local Government Area, said the incident happened at about 10:30 pm.
“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.”
Also speaking, Sarkin Fawan Jabo, Muhammadu Abubkar, stressed that Jabo and neighbouring Bargini community have maintained a long history of peace, insisting that the area has never served as a haven for terrorists or bandits.
According to him, the only security-related incident recorded in the area was a kidnapping case in 2000, after which the communities continued to live in relative calm.
“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.
A resident of Bargini village described the explosion as severe, noting that families who were preparing to sleep were jolted awake by a loud blast. Thick smoke and flames reportedly followed the impact, forcing villagers to flee their homes in fear.
The unexpected strike has sparked concern beyond Sokoto State, with Nigerians questioning the origin, purpose, and wider security implications of such an operation in an area previously regarded as safe.
The development has further highlighted the need for improved intelligence coordination, surveillance, and clear security communication to prevent public panic and reassure residents.
(VANGUARD)
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