Over 50 Feared Dead in Suspected Military Airstrike at Borno–Yobe Border Market

No fewer than 56 people are feared dead, while at least 14 others sustained injuries following a suspected accidental airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on a weekly market along the border of Borno State and Yobe State on Saturday.

The incident reportedly occurred at Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, where traders and buyers had gathered for routine commercial activities.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area but allegedly missed its intended targets.

The market is known to attract residents from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Sources cited in the report indicated that the fighter jet involved in the operation was tracking suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies and procure supplies before the strike occurred.

An eyewitness said at least 56 bodies had been recovered from the scene, while 14 injured victims were receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though one was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions,” the eyewitness said.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the incident.