At least 56 individuals, primarily vendors, are believed to be dead, with several others injured following a suspected military airstrike that struck a bustling weekly market along the Borno-Yobe border.
The devastating event took place on Saturday at Jilli Market, a prominent trading spot situated between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. The market typically attracts large numbers of shoppers from surrounding areas, amplifying the tragedy of the situation.
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Reports indicate that the airstrike was aimed at suspected Boko Haram militants thought to be using the market to collect taxes and gather resources. Unfortunately, the strike failed to hit its intended targets, resulting in civilian casualties instead.
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An eyewitness recounted the scene of panic, noting that the attack commenced around 2:46 p.m., during peak trading hours.
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“We suddenly heard loud explosions. People began to flee in fear, but the bombings continued,” the eyewitness stated. “I personally counted 56 bodies and assisted in transporting injured individuals to the hospital. The death toll may rise as more bodies are discovered.”
Medical sources reported that at least 14 injured persons were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, with some later transferred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu for advanced care.
Local officials have confirmed the occurrence of this tragic event. A ward councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, mentioned that initial estimates indicated over 30 fatalities, with more than 20 individuals hospitalized, some of whom succumbed to their injuries later.
Yobe State’s Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), acknowledged the incident but emphasized that the attacked market is located within Borno State.
As of now, the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the fatal airstrike.
