Former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, visited Jabo District in Sokoto State on Sunday to show support for residents affected by recent US airstrikes on suspected terrorist enclaves.
The airstrikes, which took place between the night of Thursday, December 25, and the early hours of Friday, December 26, targeted areas believed to be hiding terrorist elements. While there were no official reports of civilian casualties, the strikes caused fear and anxiety among residents.
During his visit, Senator Tambuwal urged the community to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies. He described the airstrikes as unfortunate and expressed sympathy for those impacted.
“Whenever incidents like this happen, people naturally become worried and concerned,” Tambuwal said. “Leaders must be on the ground to assess the situation, reassure the people, and maintain peace.”
He commended local leaders and residents for their composed response, noting that their calmness helped prevent panic and further escalation. Tambuwal emphasized that community cooperation with security agencies is crucial in addressing threats from terrorism.
“Terrorism is a collective threat. Terrorists are nobody’s friends,” he said. “This is not a religious or ethnic war. It is a war of all people of goodwill against people of evil. We must not tolerate it in any form.”
The senator also highlighted the importance of security in promoting economic activities and ensuring freedom of worship. He said that without peace, development cannot thrive and communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
Jabo District, like many communities in Sokoto State, has faced challenges from terrorist activities in recent years. The area has been known as a location where suspected insurgents occasionally hide, and security forces have conducted operations to prevent attacks on civilians. The recent US airstrikes are part of broader international efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria and the West African region.
In response to Tambuwal’s visit, the District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Aliyu Graba, expressed gratitude to the senator, the Federal Government, and security agencies for their quick intervention following the airstrikes. He assured that the community remains committed to peace and will continue to cooperate with authorities to prevent future threats.
“The visit of Senator Tambuwal brings relief to our people. It shows that leaders are aware of our concerns and are willing to support us,” Alhaji Graba said. “We appreciate the swift action of the Federal Government and security agencies, and we remain committed to working together for peace and security in our community.”
Tambuwal’s visit highlights the role of elected officials in calming public fears during crises. By meeting with residents directly, he was able to assess the situation firsthand, offer reassurance, and encourage continued cooperation with security forces. Such engagement is considered essential in preventing misinformation and panic during times of tension.
The senator also reminded residents that terrorism affects everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and that communities must work together to prevent extremist ideologies from taking root. “We cannot allow fear or division to undermine our unity,” Tambuwal said. “Every community has a role to play in reporting suspicious activities and supporting security operations.”
Jabo District’s experience reflects a broader challenge faced by many Nigerian communities in regions affected by terrorism. While airstrikes and military operations are sometimes necessary, experts stress that ongoing engagement, community policing, and public education are vital to ensure long-term security.
Residents of Jabo have a history of resilience in the face of threats. Local leaders frequently coordinate with security agencies to maintain peace and prevent infiltration by criminal or extremist groups. Tambuwal’s visit reinforced these efforts and provided moral support to the population, reminding them that their safety is a priority for both local and national authorities.
The US airstrikes, while aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, also prompted discussions about the balance between security operations and civilian protection. Communities like Jabo must navigate the impact of such interventions while continuing daily life, including farming, trade, and religious practices. Leaders like Tambuwal play a crucial role in bridging the gap between security agencies and local residents.
As the festive season continues, residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities. Tambuwal urged people to focus on rebuilding confidence and resuming normal economic and social activities while maintaining close cooperation with security personnel.
The visit ended with Senator Tambuwal and community leaders holding discussions on further steps to strengthen local security and support affected families. He pledged to continue monitoring the situation and ensuring that the voices of residents are heard at the national level.
Alhaji Graba concluded by reaffirming the community’s commitment to peace, unity, and support for all security efforts. “We must remain united and resilient. By working together with our leaders and security agencies, we can overcome threats and ensure a safe and prosperous future for our children,” he said.