Over 50 Feared Dead As Military Airstrike Hits Civilians in Borno–Yobe Border Market

More than 50 people are feared dead after a military airstrike accidentally struck a weekly market at Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday evening.

The incident occurred while commercial activities were underway, with eyewitnesses reporting that several fighter jets were involved in the operation.

Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru, Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, confirmed the incident on Sunday but did not provide details of the airstrikes.

The jets were reportedly targeting terrorists operating in the area.

Yobe Police Public Relations Officer Dungus Abdulkarim also confirmed the incident, saying authorities were still gathering details and had not yet established the number of casualties.

“We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what transpired. At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified,” he said.

He added that security agencies have been deployed to assess the situation and document the incident, with updates to follow once verified information is available.

Local sources said the airstrike was part of a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram members believed to be active in the area. The insurgents were reportedly known to visit the market to collect levies and obtain supplies.

A source in Damaturu said the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents but missed its intended target.

Unconfirmed reports indicate at least 50 people were killed, with several others injured. Victims were said to have been taken to medical facilities in Geidam and Damaturu for treatment.