Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into shock late Friday night following a sudden United States airstrike in the area.
Many locals initially believed an aircraft had crashed after witnessing a blazing object plummet rapidly from the sky, accompanied by a deafening noise.
Abubakar Shehu Jabo, a resident of the community and Information Officer for Tambuwal LGA, said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m.
“Because of the loud noise and the speed at which the burning object descended, many of us thought it was an air crash,” he said.
“But when we cautiously moved closer, we realised it was not an aircraft but something else entirely.”
The village head, Sarkin Fawan Jabo, Muhammadu Abubakar, moved quickly to calm residents, stressing that Jabo and neighbouring Bargini communities have always been peaceful and have no known ties to terrorists or bandits.
According to him, the only major security incident recorded in the area was a kidnapping case in the year 2000, after which the communities have remained largely calm.
“We do not harbour terrorists or bandits in our communities. This place has been peaceful for a very long time, which makes this incident even more disturbing,” he said.
A resident of nearby Bargini described the explosion as catastrophic. Villagers who were preparing for bed were jolted awake by a loud blast, thick smoke, and intense flames, triggering panic and a rushed evacuation from their homes.
The unexpected airstrike has since sparked widespread concern beyond Sokoto State, with Nigerians questioning why such military operations are being carried out in communities long regarded as safe and free from violent activity.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
