Panic Grips Jabo Town as Explosive Device Ignites
Fear and tension enveloped the community of Jabo in Sokoto State's Tambuwal Local Government Area on Thursday night, December 26, 2025. A sudden and violent explosion forced residents to abandon their homes, fleeing into the night for safety. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 PM, sent shockwaves through the town, with the loud blast shaking nearby houses and triggering immediate panic.
Timing Raises Questions Following US Announcement
The explosion took place mere hours after a significant international development. United States President Donald Trump announced a major military operation targeting terrorist elements in Nigeria's North West region, where Sokoto State is located. This timing immediately fueled speculation and anxiety among locals, though authorities have not confirmed any direct link between the two events.
An eyewitness, Attahiru Madawaki Jabo, provided a chilling account of the moment. "I was at home when we heard a loud sound which shook some of our houses," he told reporters. "Immediately the explosive object hit the ground at the outskirt of Jabo town, it burst into fire." His testimony underscores the suddenness and violence of the event that disrupted the quiet night.
Security Response and Lingering Fear
In response to the incident, security forces swiftly moved to secure the area. Soldiers from a nearby checkpoint cordoned off the scene to prevent further danger and allow for investigation. They carefully recovered fragments of the device, which were transported to their base for expert examination to determine its origin and nature.
Despite this rapid military intervention, a profound sense of fear has taken root in Jabo. Many residents were too terrified to return to their homes, gripped by the palpable fear that another explosion could occur. The community remains on edge, with the lack of an official explanation from authorities only heightening the uncertainty.
As of the time the initial reports were filed, neither the Sokoto State government nor federal authorities had issued an official statement regarding the cause of the explosion. Furthermore, no confirmation has been provided connecting the blast to the newly announced US-led counter-terrorism operation in the region. The situation leaves residents caught between the aftermath of a local terror incident and the unfolding dynamics of an international military campaign in their backyard.
