Civilians Feared Dead After Nigerian Air Strike Hits Market
Nigerian Air Force Strike Raises Civilian Casualty Fears
Civilian fatalities are feared after credible reports indicate that Nigerian military jets struck a bustling village market in the north-east of the country. The incident occurred near the Yobe and Borno state border, purportedly during an operation against Islamist militants.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed conducting “mop-up” air strikes on “identified terrorist locations” within Borno State’s Jilli axis on Saturday. However, they have yet to confirm striking the market or any civilian casualties. This region is a hotbed for the long-running Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives.
Conflicting Casualty Figures Emerge
Conflicting accounts regarding the number of casualties have surfaced. Reuters, citing a local councillor, residents, and an international humanitarian official, reported that at least 200 people were killed. Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a councillor from Yobe’s Geidam district, described it as a “very devastating incident,” with the injured transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.
Conversely, Nigerian outlets The Sun and Punch cited sources indicating 10 fatalities and several injuries. The Daily Trust, however, reported an eyewitness claiming at least 56 deaths and 14 hospitalisations. The market is known for attracting traders and buyers from surrounding communities weekly.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency acknowledged receiving “preliminary reports” of an incident at Jilli Market resulting in casualties. Emergency teams have been deployed, but details remain unverified.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria branch condemned the strike, asserting that “over 100 people” were killed. They labelled the incident as “unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.”
This incident follows a pattern of previous military air operations in Nigeria’s north-east mistakenly hitting civilians in villages, displaced persons’ camps, and markets.
