Over 50 Feared Dead in Borno-Yobe Border Airstrike

GEIDAM: Nigeria, A devastating airstrike on a crowded weekly market at the border of Borno and Yobe states has left at least 56 people dead and dozens more injured. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon at Jilli Market, situated between the Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas.

The strike took place during a military operation reportedly targeting Boko Haram insurgents. According to local sources, the Nigerian Air Force was tracking a group of militants suspected of infiltrating the market to collect illegal levies and procure supplies. However, witnesses and local officials indicate the strike missed its intended targets, hitting civilians instead.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Eyewitness accounts and local officials provide a grim picture of the aftermath:

• Death Toll: While early reports from local leadership suggested over 30 fatalities, eyewitnesses on the ground report counting at least 56 bodies.

• Injuries: At least 14 survivors are currently receiving emergency care at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, while others have been referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu due to the severity of their injuries.

• Ongoing Recovery: Rescuers believe the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered from the market site.

Eyewitness Accounts

A survivor at the scene described the chaos, noting that the attack began at approximately 2:46 p.m. while trading was at its peak.

"People panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued," said Malam Lawan Zanna, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward. "I helped rescue the injured, but the number of corpses is overwhelming."

Reports indicate that up to four fighter jets were involved in the operation, with multiple explosions heard across the market grounds, which typically draws traders from surrounding communities such as Benisheikh and Gurokayeya.

Official Statements and Jurisdiction

There is currently a dispute regarding the exact jurisdiction of the incident site. Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), Special Adviser on Security to the Yobe State Governor, confirmed the tragedy but stated that Jilli village falls under the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

As of Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has not issued an official statement regarding the mission or the reported civilian casualties. This incident adds to a growing list of "accidental" airstrikes in the region, highlighting the ongoing complexities and risks of aerial operations in the fight against insurgency in Northeast Nigeria.