Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Attack near Yobe-Borno border sparks conflicting casualty claims
Fears of civilian deaths have emerged following reports that Nigerian military jets targeted a village market in the north-east. The incident occurred near the Yobe-Borno border region, where aircraft were reportedly engaged in operations against Islamist militants, as relayed by Reuters and local sources.
The Nigerian Air Force stated it conducted “mop-up” strikes on “identified terrorist locations” within Borno State’s Jilli axis on Saturday. However, the force has not confirmed whether the market was hit or if any casualties were reported. The area remains a focal point of the Boko Haram conflict, which has displaced over two million people and caused thousands of deaths.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the number of fatalities. According to Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a councillor in Yobe’s Geidam district, at least 200 individuals were killed. Three local residents and an official from an international humanitarian agency also cited this figure.
“It’s a very devastating incident,” said Zanna Nur Geidam, who noted that injured people were transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.
Other sources provided varying numbers. Nigerian outlets like the Sun and Punch reported 10 deaths and several injuries. Meanwhile, the Daily Trust quoted an eyewitness stating at least 56 people had died, with 14 hospitalized. The market typically draws traders and buyers from nearby communities, according to local reports.
In a Facebook statement, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency acknowledged “preliminary reports” of casualties at Jilli Market in Gubio local government area. The agency confirmed emergency teams were deployed but emphasized that details about the incident’s nature and casualty count remain unverified. Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, representing Yobe state, stated that some residents from the neighboring Geidam local government area were affected.
Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old market trader, shared his experience with Reuters. “I became so scared and attempted to run away, but a friend dragged me and we all lay on the ground,” he recounted. Amnesty International’s Nigeria branch condemned the strike, calling it “over 100 people” killed. A post on X criticized the military’s “reckless use of deadly force” as “unlawful, outrageous” and highlighting a “shocking disregard for civilian lives.”
Nigeria’s north-east has witnessed repeated incidents where military air operations against Islamist insurgents have accidentally struck civilians. These include attacks on villages, displacement camps, and markets, raising concerns about the accuracy of targeting in conflict zones.
