Residents of Jabo community in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into panic on Christmas night following loud explosions believed to be linked to aerial bombardment in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred suddenly when an object suspected to be an explosive device fell into the community, triggering a loud blast that sent residents fleeing in fear.
Although no casualties were reported, debris from the explosion reportedly landed close to where people had gathered, heightening anxiety among residents.
Photographs obtained by DAILY GAZETTE showed fragments of objects scattered across the area after the blast.
Residents who spoke on the incident described the moment as terrifying, noting that the explosions echoed across the town and forced many to spend the night indoors amid uncertainty and fear.
The development followed an announcement by United States President Donald Trump that US forces had launched airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in North-West Nigeria.
A government source disclosed that the strikes were coordinated through Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, with intelligence units working closely with the United States Africa Command to identify and target ISIS-linked elements.
However, details of the operation, including the number of targets hit and the scale of the bombardment, remain unclear.
There were also confirmed reports of an explosion on the outskirts of Jibo village, also in Tambuwal Local Government Area, further fuelling concerns among residents about the scope of the air operations.
