Sokoto Residents Describe Night of Fear After Suspected U.S. Airstrike

 

Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have recounted a terrifying experience following a suspected United States military airstrike late on Friday night.

According to eyewitnesses, many residents initially believed that an aircraft had crashed after seeing a fiery object plunge rapidly from the sky, accompanied by a loud explosion. The incident reportedly occurred at about 10:30 p.m., throwing the usually quiet community into panic.

Abubakar Shehu Jabo, a resident and the Information Officer of Tambuwal Local Government Area, explained that the intensity of the noise and the speed of the burning object led many to assume it was a plane accident.

“The loud sound and the speed at which the burning object fell made many people think it was an aircraft crash,” he said. “However, when we carefully moved closer, we realized it was something entirely different.”

Community Leaders Express Shock

Traditional and community leaders have expressed deep concern over the incident. Sarkin Fawan Jabo, Muhammadu Abubakar, emphasized that Jabo and the neighboring community of Bargini have long been peaceful and have no known links to terrorism or banditry.

He recalled that the last major security incident in the area occurred over two decades ago, in 2000, when a kidnapping was reported. Since then, the communities have remained largely calm.

“This community has never harbored criminals or insurgents. That is why this incident is deeply disturbing,” he said.

Families Flee Homes in Panic

Residents of nearby Bargini also described the explosion as devastating. Many villagers, who were preparing to sleep, were startled by a massive blast followed by thick smoke and intense flames. The sudden explosion forced families to flee their homes in fear, unsure of what was happening or whether further strikes would follow.

National Concerns Over Security Operations

The unexpected airstrike has raised serious questions across Nigeria, particularly regarding why such military operations would occur in areas widely regarded as peaceful and free from insurgent activity. Citizens and observers have called for greater transparency and clarification from authorities over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As investigations continue, residents of Jabo and surrounding communities remain shaken, hoping for answers and reassurance that their safety will be protected.

Source: Gistreel.com