At least 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and 14 others hospitalized after an airstrike struck a weekly market on the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday.
The attack occurred at Jilli Market, which lies between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno and Yobe States, respectively. The market is a major hub for traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe.
The airstrike is believed to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Multiple sources disclosed that a fighter jet was tracking a group of suspected insurgents who had reportedly come to the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike apparently missed its intended target.
An eyewitness who participated in rescue efforts described the scene:
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.
“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered.”
The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust. He stated that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.
“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.
“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident but stated that it occurred within Borno State.
“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam LGA, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.