At least 50 people, mostly traders, are feared to have lost their lives, with many others injured, following an airstrike that struck a busy weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, situated between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to local sources, the market—known for attracting traders and buyers from nearby communities—was bustling with activity when the airstrike happened. Communities such as Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State, regularly depend on the market.
Reports indicate that the operation may have been part of a military offensive targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to frequent the market to collect levies and obtain supplies. However, the strike allegedly missed its intended targets.
An eyewitness said the attack occurred in the afternoon during peak trading hours.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business was ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the strike, though one was not clearly visible. We only heard loud explosions,” the source said.
The witness added that at least 56 bodies were counted, noting that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue. Some injured victims were reportedly taken to nearby medical facilities.
Confirming the development, the councillor representing Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, said several casualties were evacuated to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
He explained that the airstrike hit Jilli village’s weekly market, triggering panic as traders and residents tried to flee while the bombardment continued.
According to him, more than 20 injured persons were hospitalised in Geidam, with two others referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. He added that several of those receiving treatment later died, increasing the casualty figure.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), confirmed the attack but stated that the affected location falls within Borno State.
He said he had contacted the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who clarified the jurisdiction and advised that officials in Maiduguri be contacted for further details.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.
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