US Air Strikes: Sokoto Police Caution Against Scavenging Unexploded Devices, Debris

Police Area Commander in charge of Tambuwal local government area, Muhammed Augie, has warned residents of the area against scavenging metal remnants from the sites of the recent US airstrikes.

Augie issued the warning after some residents were seen collecting debris, such as scrap metal, aluminium, wires, and batteries, that they could sell at the scene of the strike.

The area commander, who was present at the scene, declined to comment on the incident but urged the District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Abubakar Jabo, to caution residents against visiting the strike location or handling fragments from the explosion.

Meanwhile, the Commandant of Base 15 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Sokoto, Hassan Jatau, said the area had been cordoned off to prevent possible harm from unexploded materials.

He emphasised the need for public sensitisation, noting that unexploded ordnance could pose a danger.

The airstrikes by the United States targeting ISIS militants have sparked panic and confusion among locals, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

Recall that the residents were seen collecting metallic pieces believed to be remnants of the devices and hid them in their homes with plans to sell them later to scrap dealers
.
The District Head of Jabo, Alhaji Jabo, said, “Despite the risks, our young ones still picked through debris without protective gear, unaware that unexploded or contaminated fragments could still pose serious danger.

“With no clear communication on the hazards associated with explosive remnants, people were treating the explosive remains as if they were something precious.”

He lamented that, “Such practice reflects a deeper crisis rooted in poverty, lack of awareness, and the absence of immediate government intervention following the explosion.”