An airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly caused civilian casualties at a busy market along the Borno–Yobe border.
No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead while several others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Sources who spoke with Daily Trust, said the market, which attracts traders from surrounding communities, was crowded with buyers and sellers when the airstrike occurred.
The weekly market usually serves communities such as Gubio, Chiweram and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Local sources said the operation was believed to have been part of a military offensive targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents who were reportedly visiting the market to collect levies and gather supplies.
However, the airstrike reportedly missed its intended target.
An eyewitness said the strike happened in the afternoon while business activities were ongoing.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions,” the witness said.
“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source added.
The councillor representing Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident, saying several injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike,” he said.
“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.”
He added that more than 20 injured persons were hospitalised, while some victims were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.
“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.
