Residents of Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into panic on Thursday night after an explosive device burst into flames, forcing many to flee their homes.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:30 p.m., triggering fear and tension across the community. Witnesses said the explosion shook nearby houses, prompting residents to run for safety.
The development came less than two hours before United States President Donald Trump announced a major military operation targeting terrorists in North West Nigeria. Sokoto State is among the states in the region affected by banditry and terrorism.
An eyewitness, Attahiru Madawaki Jabo, said the explosive device caught fire immediately after hitting the ground on the outskirts of the town.
“I was at home when we heard a loud sound that shook some of our houses. As soon as the explosive object hit the ground at the outskirts of Jabo town, it burst into flames,” he said.
Local sources said soldiers stationed at a nearby checkpoint quickly moved to the area, cordoned it off, and recovered fragments of the device, which were taken to their base.
Some residents reportedly refused to return to their homes due to fears of another explosion.
Although the Nigerian government has confirmed US airstrikes on ISIS targets in Sokoto State, it remains unclear whether the explosion in Jabo is directly linked to the air operations, as no official details have been provided.
