Military Airstrike on Nigerian Market Kills Over 56 Civilians

According to several sources, a fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents who had come to the market to collect taxes and resupply, but the strike missed its target.

JILLI, Nigeria – At least 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, and 14 others were hospitalized Saturday after an airstrike on a weekly market on the border between Borno and Yobe states.

The attack took place at the Jilli market, located between the Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, during a suspected military operation targeting Boko Haram insurgents. The market typically draws large crowds from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.

According to several sources, a fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents who had come to the market to collect taxes and resupply, but the strike missed its target.

An eyewitness told reporters, “the incident occurred around 2:46 p.m., while business was underway. Four fighter jets carried out the attack. I personally counted 56 bodies and helped rescue two wounded people. Other bodies are still being recovered.”

Malam Lawan Zanna, a councilor for the Fichimaram ward, confirmed the incident, stating that more than 20 people had been admitted to the Geidam Specialist Hospital. He added that two patients were later transferred to Damaturu Teaching Hospital and that nine of those treated there had died, bringing the death toll to over 30.

A resident, told Gazette Africa on Sunday afternoon, that efforts to recover the bodies and treat the wounded were ongoing.