At least 56 people, most of them traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalised following an airstrike on a weekly market in Jilli, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday, April 11.
According to reports by Daily Trust, the strike is believed to have occurred during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The market typically draws large numbers of traders and buyers from nearby communities such as Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Sources said the fighter jet involved in the operation was tracking suspected insurgents who had allegedly come to the market to collect levies and gather supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target and instead hit civilians at the busy market.
An eyewitness said at least 56 bodies had been counted, with 14 injured victims taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while trading was ongoing. Four fighter jets were involved, although the fourth was not clearly seen. We only heard loud explosions. I personally counted 56 bodies and helped evacuate two injured people to the hospital. The number of casualties may rise as more bodies are being recovered,” the witness said.
The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, also confirmed the incident, stating that about 20 injured persons were admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
He explained that the strike occurred at the weekly market in Jilli village under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. According to him, the attack caused panic as people tried to flee, but the bombardment continued.
“As we speak, more than 30 people have been killed. Over 20 were hospitalised in Geidam, and two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the confirmed death toll to over 30,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), confirmed the incident but clarified that it occurred within Borno State.
“I spoke with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who said Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact authorities in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
