No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while at least 14 others have been injured following an airstrike on a weekly market along the border between Borno and Yobe states, Daily Trust reports.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Reports indicate that the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target and hit civilians engaged in trading activities at the market.
Jilli Market is known to attract traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Sources said the fighter jet involved in the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. The strike, however, failed to hit the target.
An eyewitness confirmed that at least 56 bodies were recovered, while 14 injured victims are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. when business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the operation, although the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard loud explosions,” the witness said.
“I personally counted 56 bodies and helped rescue two injured persons, taking them to the hospital. I believe the death toll may rise as more bodies are still being recovered.”
The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, also confirmed the incident, stating that over 20 victims were admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
“The attack occurred at the weekly market in Jilli village under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available, it was an airstrike,” he said.
“When the jets struck, people panicked and tried to flee, but the bombardment continued. As of now, over 30 people have been killed.
“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam, while two others were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he added.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident but noted that it occurred within Borno State territory.
He said he had spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who clarified that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
