Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State have narrated their terrifying experiences following a United States airstrike carried out late on Friday night, saying many initially believed a passenger aircraft had crashed in their community.
Eyewitnesses said the night was shattered by a loud explosion accompanied by a fiery glow in the sky, which sent residents running out of their homes in panic. According to them, the intensity of the blast and the flames seen descending from the air led many to assume that an aircraft had gone down nearby.
“We heard a very loud sound and then saw fire coming down from the sky. People started shouting that a plane had crashed,” a resident told reporters. “Everyone was confused and afraid. Some people ran into the bush, while others stayed indoors praying.”
Another resident explained that Jabo, which had previously been largely untouched by insecurity, was thrown into chaos as rumours spread rapidly through the town. “This is not something we are used to here. There was fear everywhere. Parents were calling their children, and nobody knew exactly what was happening,” he said.
By morning, information filtered into the community that the incident was an airstrike allegedly carried out by the U.S. military, reportedly targeting terrorist elements in the area. Residents said no civilian casualties were immediately confirmed in Jabo town, though the shock and fear lingered.
Local sources noted that the development triggered widespread anxiety in surrounding communities, with many residents worried about the possibility of further strikes. Some called on authorities to provide clear information to prevent panic and misinformation.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Sokoto State Government nor federal authorities had issued a detailed public statement on the incident, while investigations were said to be ongoing to determine the exact targets and impact of the strike.
The incident has added to growing concerns among residents about security operations in the region and the need for better communication to protect civilians during counterterrorism actions.
Welcome to KjtsonBlog, your trusted source for Nigerian celebrity news, Naija entertainment updates, and trending news in Nigeria. Stay connected to the latest gist, events, and stories across Naija and worldwide.