Collaborative US-Nigeria Air Strike Against ISIS Sparks Panic and Debate Among UDUS Students

Fear and uncertainty have spread across Sokoto State following reports of an alleged air strike in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area on Tuesday, 26th of December. 

The air strike was ordered by the United States President, Donald Trump and targeted at suspected ISIS elements in the town. 

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the operation was carried out with Nigeria’s prior consent and described as a collaborative effort. 

However, the incident has sparked anxiety among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), located a few kilometres away from Jabo, many of whom say the proximity of the incident has heightened fear and uncertainty on campus.

Maryam, a 400-level student, and a resident of Binji, said the news has left her deeply unsettled. She revealed that her parents immediately urged her to return home after hearing about the incident.

“My parents have been saying I should come back home. My mum even suggested that I should transfer to another school because the situation is getting so intense,” she said.

Maryam added that she fears the possibility of further attacks and worries about innocent civilians being affected.

“I’m scared since I read about what happened. As a student, I just hope there will not be any further attacks in other local governments. It is not possible to attack terrorists without affecting innocent civilians,” she said.

Similarly, Abdullahi Umar final-year student, expressed concern about the long-term consequences of the incident on education and livelihoods.

“We don’t know how this will end. Education may be disrupted and businesses will suffer,” he said. “If care is not taken, schools may be closed and businesses halted. That will affect students who also depend on small businesses to survive.”

Eyewitness Account Raises Questions

Mansur Haliru Maigandi, a 400-level Law student who resides in Sokoto, said he saw reports from residents of Jabo even before any official announcement was made.

According to him, residents reported that an unidentified object hit a part of the village near the bush area. He said a rocket-like object was later discovered, though its origin was initially unknown.

“After some minutes, a statement was released saying Donald Trump ordered an air strike against ISIS in the Northwest,” Mansur said.

‘Violation of Sovereignty’ — Jabo-Based Student

Umar Atiku, a 400-level student and a resident of Jabo town, described the alleged air strike in his local government as a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law.

“Interfering in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state is a clear violation of international law,” he said.

He criticised the federal government for allegedly allowing foreign military intervention, insisting that ISIS activities are largely concentrated in Nigeria’s northeast, not the northwest.

“No reasonable person would think ISIS is hiding in Jabo, a small village near the bush,” he said.

Speaking with Comrade Tasiu Aminu, a 500-Level student, he said the strike was only meant to target the terrorists, and assured the students of safety. 

He further encouraged all the students to resume and continue with their academic activities.

Shehu Uthman reports