Dozens of people are feared dead following a military airstrike on a weekly market in Jilli, a border community between Borno and Yobe states, as authorities investigate reports of civilian casualties.
The operation, carried out by the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Hadin Kai, reportedly targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating in the area.
However, eyewitness accounts and local sources suggest that the strike may have hit civilians present at the market during trading hours.
Residents said the airstrike occurred in the afternoon while business activities were ongoing, triggering panic as multiple explosions were heard.
One eyewitness claimed to have counted over 50 bodies, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. Several injured victims were reportedly taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam, Yobe State.
Local officials also confirmed casualties. A councillor in the area said more than 30 people had died, with additional victims succumbing to injuries in hospital.
The Nigerian Air Force said it had taken note of the reports and launched an investigation into possible civilian harm.
In a statement, the Air Force emphasised its commitment to protecting civilian lives, adding that a fact-finding team had been deployed to assess the situation.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, maintained that the targeted market had long been identified as a hub for insurgents and had been officially shut down years ago.
Similarly, Yobe State authorities confirmed that while the strike was aimed at terrorist enclaves, some civilians who had gathered in the area may have been affected.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, described the airstrike as a justified military action based on credible intelligence.
He acknowledged reports of civilian casualties but stressed that insurgents often operate within civilian populations, complicating military operations.
Buratai urged residents to avoid markets and locations linked to insurgent activities, warning that such areas remain legitimate targets for security forces.
Meanwhile, medical authorities in Borno State have raised concerns over a shortage of blood needed to treat victims.
The Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri said several injured persons required urgent transfusions, calling on residents to donate blood to support ongoing treatment efforts.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the incident, describing it as a “devastating failure.”
He questioned the safety of citizens caught between terrorist attacks and military operations, calling for accountability and urgent reforms to prevent future occurrences.
In a related development, at least 18 people were killed in an attack on Bunkasau village in Zamfara State.
Armed assailants reportedly stormed the community at night, opening fire on residents. The attack was confirmed by state authorities, who described it as a senseless act of violence.
Governor Dauda Lawal expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured residents of intensified security measures to restore peace.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
Authorities say the outcome of the probe will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the strike and determine whether civilians were affected.
