By Our Reporter
No fewer than 40 people are feared killed following a military airstrike that hit a busy weekly market in Jilli village, located along the border between Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday evening.
The strike occurred at the popular Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam, triggering panic among traders and residents as multiple explosions tore through the crowded area.
A local councillor, Lawan Zannah, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Sunday, stating that initial reports point to an air operation.
“From the information available to us, it was an airstrike. Over 30 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 20 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack took place around 4:00 p.m. during peak trading hours, with several fighter jets allegedly involved. One witness claimed that the death toll could be significantly higher.
“I personally counted dozens of bodies, and more are still being recovered,” the source said.
Preliminary information suggests the strike may have targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have assembled in the area. However, the bombs reportedly hit the crowded market instead, resulting in heavy civilian casualties.
The weekly market attracts traders from neighbouring communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru, confirmed the incident but clarified that Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.