At least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a busy village market while targeting Islamist militants in the northeast region of the country on Saturday night.
Local councillors and residents spoke out on Sunday, describing the tragedy that unfolded during the operation near the border between Yobe and Borno states.
Nigeria’s Air Force acknowledged that it had killed Boko Haram fighters in the Jilli area of Borno state but did not mention hitting the market itself. Officials did not respond to repeated requests for clarification on the civilian casualties. Later, the government of neighboring Yobe state admitted in a statement that an airstrike had taken place close to a market filled with people.
Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, a military adviser to Yobe state, confirmed the strike affected residents from Geidam local government area bordering Gubio in Borno state. He did not provide additional details on the damage or casualties. The attack occurred in a village near the border zone, which is a hotspot of a long and deadly insurgency that has killed thousands and forced millions to flee their homes.
Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, the councillor and traditional leader of the affected Fuchimeram ward, revealed to Reuters that over 200 people lost their lives in the airstrike at Jilli market. Injured survivors were being rushed to hospitals in both Yobe and Borno. Three other residents and an official from an international aid organization confirmed the reports and the high death toll.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency said it had received early reports about casualties among market traders and activated emergency response teams. Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old market vendor selling medical supplies, recounted how he was injured during the blast and narrowly escaped death. He said he tried to run but was pulled down by a friend and both lay on the ground to avoid further harm.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by civilians caught between military operations and militant activity in Nigeria’s troubled northeast. The ongoing conflict continues to threaten lives and stability across the region.
