Nigerian Military Jet Strikes Crowded Weekly Market On Borno-Yobe Border, At Least 56 Dead –Eyewitnesses, Officials

The strike was believed to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, although multiple sources indicated that the intended targets were missed.

An airstrike on a crowded weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday left no fewer than 56 people feared dead, with at least 14 others hospitalised, according to eyewitnesses and local officials.

The incident occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam local government areas of Borno and Yobe states, during active trading hours when the market was filled with traders and buyers from surrounding communities, Daily Trust reports.

The strike was believed to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, although multiple sources indicated that the intended targets were missed.

The weekly market usually attracts residents from Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State, making it a major commercial hub in the area.

Sources familiar with the incident said the fighter jet involved in the operation had been tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies and obtain supplies before the strike occurred.

An eyewitness, who was present during the incident, described how the attack unfolded and the immediate aftermath. 

“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,” the source said.

The eyewitness also gave details of the casualties and rescue efforts following the strike. 

“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 source said.

The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident, noting that several victims were receiving treatment at medical facilities. 

“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,” he said. 

He further explained the situation during the attack and the growing number of casualties.

“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,” he said. 

Providing more details on those affected, he said, “More than 20 people were hospitalised 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.”

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), also confirmed the development but clarified the location of the incident. 

“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, Amnesty International in a statement condemned and raised concerns over the use of force. 

“Amnesty International strongly condemned the military air strike that killed over 100 people at Jalli Futchimiram Geidam local government area of Yobe state. Witnesses said three military jets fired on the market yesterday,” the organisation said.

“The emergency section of Geidam General Hospital had so far received 35 people with severe injuries.”

The organisation also called for accountability and criticised the method of operation. 

Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain a response from the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls.