Monday, April 13, 2026 - No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared de@d, while 14 others have been hospitalized following an airstrike on a weekly market at Jilli market located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday, April 11.
DailyTrust reports that the airstrike was suspected to have
been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram
insurgents.
The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from
surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno
State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the
operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited
the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the
strike reportedly missed its intended target and hit the unsuspecting traders.
An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed
dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in
Geidam, Yobe State.
“The
incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four
fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly
visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.
I counted 56
corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the
hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are
still being recovered,” the source said
When contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam
Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident and said that about 20 people had been
admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
“The
incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in
Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike. When the
jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes
continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been k!lled.
More than 20
people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital
in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the
death toll to over 30,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security
Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident, but
said it occurred within Borno State.
“I have
spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli
village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in
Maiduguri for further details” he said
The Nigerian Air Force is yet to comment on the unfortunate
incident.
0 Comments