Over 50 Killed After Military Jet Bombs Crowded Market Near Borno–Yobe Border

An airstrike on a busy weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday has left at least 56 people dead, according to eyewitnesses and local officials, with several others injured.

The incident took place at Jilli Market, a trading hub located between Gubio and Geidam local government areas. The market was reportedly crowded at the time, drawing traders and buyers from nearby communities across both states.

Residents said the strike occurred during an ongoing military operation targeting suspected insurgents. However, multiple accounts suggest the intended targets were not hit.

Witnesses described a sudden attack in the early afternoon. One survivor said explosions began around 2:46 p.m. while trading activities were underway. He reported that several fighter jets were involved and that panic spread quickly as people attempted to flee.

Local sources indicated that dozens of bodies were recovered from the scene, with more feared trapped under debris or yet to be found. Injured victims were taken to nearby medical facilities, including hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu.

A local councillor confirmed the incident and said casualties continued to rise as more victims succumbed to their injuries. He added that some of the wounded required transfer to higher-level care due to the severity of their condition.

Security officials acknowledged the strike but differed on the exact location, noting administrative boundaries between Borno and Yobe states.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the operation, questioning the use of force in a densely populated civilian area and calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.

The military has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.