The Nigerian Air Force has opened an investigation following reports that dozens of civilians were killed in an airstrike on a market on Saturday.The incident occurred at Jilli market, located along the border of Borno and Yobe states, during a military operation targeting Islamist militants. Residents and Amnesty International claim that more than 100 people were killed, although officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties.Hospitals in Yobe State have reported receiving several injured victims from the attack, with some still undergoing treatment.
In an official statement, the Nigerian Air Force disclosed that a team had been deployed to the area to conduct an immediate fact-finding mission regarding the allegations.One injured victim recounted that he had visited the market to purchase livestock when the strike occurred. “I was with about 30 people when we were hit, and we all collapsed,” he told Reuters.
The military later confirmed carrying out the airstrike, stating that the targeted location had long been identified as a corridor and meeting point for Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and their collaborators. Describing the mission as a carefully planned and intelligence-led operation, the military said it successfully executed a precision strike on what it described as a terrorist enclave and logistics base near the deserted village of Jilli.
While the military claimed that several terrorists were killed, it made no reference to civilian casualties. Reports citing local sources, including a councillor in Yobe’s Geidam district, suggest the death toll could be as high as 200. The councillor described the incident as devastating, noting that victims had been taken to hospitals across Yobe and Borno states.
Another survivor, a market trader, shared that he was injured during the explosion and had to take cover amid the chaos.Amnesty International reported that over 100 people were killed and at least 35 others sustained serious injuries, adding that some of the victims included children. The organization said it had been in contact with individuals at the scene, hospital officials, and victims to verify the situation.
However, local authorities estimate that the total number of casualties, including both the dead and injured, could be around 200, with additional deaths recorded among those receiving treatment.Over the years, Nigeria’s North-East has witnessed several incidents where military air operations against insurgents have mistakenly resulted in civilian casualties, including in villages, displacement camps, and marketplaces.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/
