Many Feared Dead As Suspected NAF Airstrike Hits Yobe-Borno Border Market

Several persons are feared dead following a suspected military airstrike that struck a busy market along the border between Yobe and Borno states, triggering panic and confusion among residents in the insurgency-prone region.

The incident occurred on Saturday at a popular weekly market in Jilli village, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, where traders and locals had gathered for commercial activities when explosions reportedly rocked the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources said multiple fighter jets were seen hovering before bombs were dropped, leaving scores of traders and residents dead or injured.

A local councillor, Lawan Zannah, was quoted as saying more than 30 people had been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Some residents, however, claimed the casualty figure could be higher, with reports suggesting that bodies were still being recovered from the scene hours after the incident.

Security sources indicated that the strike may have been part of an operation targeting suspected insurgents linked to Boko Haram, who were believed to be operating in the area. However, the bombs allegedly hit the crowded civilian market instead.

Confirming the development, the Yobe State Police Command spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, acknowledged that an incident occurred at the market but said authorities were yet to determine the exact cause or confirm casualty figures.

“Yes, there was an incident at the market along the Borno–Yobe border. Officers have been deployed to assess the situation, but we cannot confirm details yet,” he said.

Emergency responders were said to have moved victims to hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu, while security operatives cordoned off the area to commence investigations.

As of press time, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.Nigeria market insights

The latest development adds to growing concerns over civilian casualties in military operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where troops have intensified aerial bombardments against insurgents.

The region, which has been the epicentre of a prolonged insurgency involving Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has witnessed years of violence, displacement and humanitarian crises.