At least 30 people, mostly traders, have been reported dead, with 14 others injured and hospitalized following a military airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.
According to reports, the event, which happened at the popular Jilli Market in Yobe State between the Gubio and Geidam districts, left vendors and locals terrified as explosions shook the bustling marketplace.
Lawan Zannah, a local council member, verified the death toll in a Sunday phone chat with PUNCH Online.
He said, “From the information available to us, it was an airstrike. Over 30 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 20 were hospitalised.”
Eyewitnesses said the incident happened around 4:00 p.m. during commercial activities and that multiple fighter jets were allegedly involved.
Sources added that the bombs struck the busy market instead of the suspected Boko Haram fighters who were reportedly gathering in the neighbourhood.
Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), on Sunday verified the incident but however stated that Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Air Force is yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.
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