Tragic Military Airstrike Reportedly Kills Dozens at Busy Borno-Yobe Border Market

By Babatunji Wusu

A devastating tragedy has struck the Jilli Market, a bustling commercial hub situated along the border of Borno and Yobe States. On Saturday afternoon, a suspected military airstrike hit the crowded weekly market, resulting in the feared deaths of at least 56 people, most of whom were local traders. The incident has left several others with life-threatening injuries, sending shockwaves through the neighboring communities of Gubio and Geidam.

According to local sources, the strike was likely part of an ongoing military operation aimed at neutralizing Boko Haram insurgents. Reports suggest that the insurgents had moved into the market area to forcibly collect levies and restock their supplies. Unfortunately, the aerial bombardment reportedly missed its intended targets, striking the heart of the civilian marketplace instead. The chaos erupted around 2:46 p.m. during peak trading hours, leaving victims with little time to seek cover.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of absolute horror, with one survivor claiming to have personally counted 56 bodies at the site. The casualty toll is expected to rise as more victims are discovered in the debris. Medical officials confirmed that survivors were rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, while those in critical condition were transferred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu for advanced care.

Government representatives have begun to acknowledge the scale of the disaster. Malam Lawan Zanna, a ward councillor, confirmed that dozens have passed away, while Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), the Special Adviser on Security for Yobe State, clarified that the market technically sits within Borno State territory. Despite the mounting evidence and local outcry, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to release a formal statement regarding the mission or the reported civilian casualties.

How can the military improve its intelligence to ensure that innocent civilians are protected during anti-insurgency operations?

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