By Adesakin Adefemi
A devastating airstrike hit a weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno State and Yobe State, on Saturday evening, leaving at least 30 people dead and over 20 hospitalized.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. while commercial activities were ongoing, with several fighter jets reportedly involved in the operation.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with explosions rocking the busy trading centre and traders and residents fleeing in panic. “I counted 56 corpses myself. More bodies are still being recovered,” one witness said. Others corroborated the account, saying the market was bustling with people buying and selling goods when the strike occurred.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that the strike may have been aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents who allegedly gathered in the area. However, the bombs reportedly hit the crowded market instead, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The weekly market draws traders from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam. The incident has dealt a severe blow to the local economy, with many families losing loved ones and livelihoods.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), confirmed the incident but said Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. “We are working closely with security agencies to establish the facts and provide support to the affected families,” he said.
Amnesty International has condemned the strike, calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident. “The use of air raids in populated areas is a grave concern, and we urge the Nigerian military to prioritize the protection of civilians,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
The NAF has launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as a “misfire” and assuring that it will work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability, with many questioning the safety of civilians in conflict zones.
The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the incident, but the Yobe State Government has expressed its commitment to supporting the affected families and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of insecurity in the region, with Boko Haram insurgents continuing to pose a threat to civilians and security forces. The need for effective and accountable security measures has never been more pressing.
