At least 30 people are feared dead after a military airstrike hit a weekly market in Jilli village along the border of Borno State and Yobe State on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred at the popular Jilli Market between the Gubio and Geidam areas, where traders and residents were conducting business when explosions rocked the area, sending people fleeing in panic.
A local councillor, Lawan Zannah confirmed the casualty figures in a telephone interview Sunday, saying more than 30 people had been killed and over 20 others were receiving treatment in hospital.
“From the information available to us, it was an airstrike. Over 30 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 20 were hospitalised,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said the strike occurred around 4 p.m. while commercial activity was ongoing, with several fighter jets reportedly involved in the operation. One witness said more than 50 bodies were seen at the scene, with additional victims still being recovered.
Sources said the strike may have targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly gathered in the area, but the bombs instead hit the crowded market.
The weekly market draws traders from surrounding communities including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya and Geidam.
Abdusalam Dahiru , special adviser to the Yobe State governor on security matters, confirmed the incident, saying Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
As of press time, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.
