Dozens Feared Dead After Suspected Military Airstrike Hits Borno/Yobe Border Market

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 56 people have been reported dead and several others injured after an airstrike struck a busy weekly market along the border between Borno and Yobe states.

The incident took place on Saturday at Jilli Market, a trading hub situated between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. The market serves residents from nearby communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya and Geidam.

Sources indicated that the strike may have occurred during a military operation aimed at suspected Boko Haram members. The fighter jet was reportedly pursuing insurgents believed to have entered the market to collect levies and gather supplies. However, the target was allegedly missed, with civilians bearing the impact.

Eyewitness accounts suggest heavy casualties. One witness said, “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.

“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.”

Medical sources confirmed that several injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment.

The councillor representing Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, also confirmed the attack. He provided a slightly different casualty figure, noting that more victims were brought to hospital following the incident.

“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.

“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.

“More than 20 people were hospitalized 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,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), acknowledged 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.

There has been no official response from the Nigerian Air Force as of the time of this report.