Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have shared chilling accounts of panic and confusion following a late-night United States airstrike on Friday, with many initially believing an aircraft had crashed into their community.
Abubakar Shehu Jabo, a resident and Information Officer of Tambuwal LGA, said the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m., catching residents completely off guard. He explained that the loud noise and speed of the burning object descending from the sky sparked fear and uncertainty across the town.
“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. “It was only when we carefully moved closer that we realised it was not an aircraft but something else entirely.”
Also reacting, Sarkin Fawan Jabo, Muhammadu Abubakar, reassured the public that Jabo and neighbouring Bargini community have always been peaceful and have no history of harbouring terrorists or bandits. He recalled that the only known security incident in the area was a single kidnapping case in 2000, stressing that the communities have remained calm for decades.
“We do not harbour terrorists or bandits here. This place has been peaceful for a very long time, which makes this incident deeply disturbing,” he said.
A resident of Bargini village described the explosion as devastating, noting that families preparing to sleep were jolted awake by a thunderous blast. Thick smoke and flames reportedly followed, forcing villagers to flee their homes in fear.
The unexpected airstrike has raised concern not only in Sokoto State but across the country, with Nigerians questioning the source, intent, and wider implications of such military operations in areas previously considered safe. The incident has further highlighted the urgent need for clearer communication, coordinated intelligence, and security assurances to prevent panic and protect civilians.
