More than 50 people, largely traders, have reportedly been killed, while several others sustained injuries after an airstrike struck a crowded weekly market along the border between Borno and Yobe states.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the market was filled with traders and buyers from surrounding communities when the strike happened. The market typically serves residents from areas including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe.
Sources said the airstrike was believed to be part of a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly visiting the market to collect levies and procure supplies. However, reports suggest the strike did not hit its intended targets.
One eyewitness said the attack took place in the afternoon during active trading hours.
“The strike happened around 2:46 p.m. while people were trading. Four fighter jets were involved, and we heard multiple explosions,” the source said, adding that dozens of bodies were recovered and more casualties were likely.
Malam Lawan Zanna, the councillor representing Fichimaram Ward, confirmed the incident and said several injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment.
He noted that panic broke out as the airstrike continued while people attempted to flee the scene. According to him, over 20 injured persons were hospitalised in Geidam, with some referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. He added that some of those receiving treatment later died, raising the death toll.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Security to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), confirmed the attack but clarified that the affected area falls within Borno State.
He said local authorities in Geidam had directed inquiries to officials in Maiduguri for more information.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
