No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while at least 14 others have been hospitalized 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 Daily Trust, the strike is believed to have occurred during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The market typically draws traders and buyers from nearby communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Sources said a fighter jet involved in the operation was tracking suspected insurgents who had reportedly come to the market to collect levies and obtain supplies. However, the strike allegedly missed its target and instead hit civilians at the market.
An eyewitness reported that at least 56 people were confirmed dead, with 14 others receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, although the fourth was not clearly visible. We only heard explosions. I personally counted 56 bodies and helped evacuate two injured individuals to the hospital. The death toll may rise as more bodies are being recovered,” the source said.
The councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, also confirmed the incident, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
“The attack occurred at the weekly market in Jilli village under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. When the jets struck, people panicked and tried to flee, but the bombardment continued. At present, over 30 people have been killed. More than 20 were hospitalized in Geidam, with two referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the toll to over 30,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident but clarified that it occurred within Borno State.
“I spoke with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact authorities in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.
The Nigerian Air Force has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
