NIGERIA: Police launch Investigation Into Suspected Airstrike At Borno-Yobe Market, As Dozens Feared Dead

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Authorities have launched an investigation into a suspected airstrike at a border market between Borno and Yobe states, where dozens of people are feared dead, although official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, during peak trading hours.

Eyewitnesses said the strike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents but allegedly missed its intended target.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people… I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” a source said.

Sources added that the market, which attracts traders from surrounding communities, was bustling when multiple explosions were heard following the air raid.

The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident, stating that several victims were receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued… more than 20 people were hospitalised,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Abdulsalam Dahiru, also confirmed the incident but noted that the affected area falls within Borno State.

However, security authorities say details surrounding the incident remain unclear.

In an interview with African Culture TV, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Command, SP Jungus Abdulqoyum Abdulkabir, said investigations are ongoing to verify the claims.

“We’re currently investigating. The incident happened around the borderline, not exactly in Yobe state. The market is located along that axis, so we are still investigating to determine the exact location, what truly happened, and the number of casualties,” he said.

He added that no official figures have been confirmed at this time.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air For

ce regarding the incident.