A tragic airstrike along the Borno–Yobe border has left at least 56 people feared dead, with the majority of victims reported to be traders at a busy weekly market.
The incident took place on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, an area known for regular commercial activity that attracts traders from surrounding communities.
According to reports, four fighter jets were involved in the operation, which was reportedly aimed at suspected Boko Haram fighters believed to have entered the market to collect money and supplies.
However, the strike is said to have missed its intended targets, instead hitting civilians gathered at the marketplace.
In the aftermath, between 14 and 20 injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for urgent medical attention.
A local councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident, explaining that people attempted to flee as soon as the jets began firing, but the strikes continued despite their efforts to escape.
According to him, “more than 20 people were hospitalized,” with some of the injured later dying, increasing the overall casualty figure.
Further confirmation came from the security adviser to the Yobe State governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), who clarified that although the location is near the border, the market itself falls within Borno State.
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official response regarding the operation or the reported civilian casualties.
