Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Concerns have emerged about civilian fatalities following reports that Nigerian military jets targeted a market in a northern village. The attack occurred near the border between Yobe and Borno states, as part of an operation targeting Islamist militants, according to Reuters and local accounts. The Nigerian Air Force stated it conducted “mop-up” strikes on “identified terrorist locations” within Borno’s Jilli axis on Saturday, though it has not confirmed hitting the market or listing casualties.
Conflicting casualty figures
Discrepancies exist over the number of deaths. Reuters cited a councillor, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, and three residents, along with an international humanitarian official, suggesting at least 200 people were killed. A local official from Yobe’s Geidam district described the event as “a very devastating incident,” noting injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals. Meanwhile, other Nigerian outlets reported lower tolls, with the Sun and Punch stating 10 fatalities and several injuries. The Daily Trust, however, quoted an eyewitness claiming at least 56 had died, with 14 hospitalized.
“It’s a very devastating incident,” said Zanna Nur Geidam, who said the injured had been taken to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.
Context and aftermath
The market, a hub for traders and buyers from surrounding communities, was struck during ongoing military efforts against Boko Haram, which has displaced over two million people and claimed thousands of lives. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency shared preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli Market in Gubio local government area, mentioning casualties but noting details remain unverified. Emergency teams were deployed swiftly, though the agency emphasized that the incident’s specifics are still under review.
“Some people from Geidam LGA [local government area] bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected,” said Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam.
Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old trader, told Reuters he sustained injuries during the blast. “I became so scared and attempted to run away, but a friend dragged me and we all lay on the ground,” he recounted. Amnesty International’s Nigeria branch criticized the strike, calling it “over 100 people killed” and condemning the use of air raids as an “unlawful, outrageous” method that highlights the military’s disregard for civilian lives.
The northeastern region has experienced multiple incidents where military air operations against Islamist groups have mistakenly struck civilian areas, such as villages and displacement camps. These events underscore the ongoing challenges in distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants in the conflict.
