Scores Killed In Yobe State, As NAF Confirms Airstrike On Terrorists
Civil society organisations and security experts have expressed strong displeasure at the airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border, which reportedly killed over 200 people, mostly traders, and left many others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam local government areas of Borno and Yobe states, respectively.
The airstrike was reportedly carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents operating in the area.
In an earlier statement on Sunday, the Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), through its spokesperson, Sani Uba, said scores of terrorists were neutralised in the strike.
He added that their vehicles were destroyed, while surviving elements were seen fleeing in different directions.
However, amid emerging reports of civilian casualties, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a subsequent statement, announced that it has launched an investigation into the incident.
The NAF said it took the allegations seriously and had activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to carry out a fact-finding mission at the scene.
The weekly market attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Futchimiram and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Multiple sources said the fighter jet involved in the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies.
An eyewitness, Umar Bomai, told Daily Trust that about 200 traders were killed in Jilli village, located in Futchimiram ward of Geidam LGA, adding that the airstrike occurred when the market was bustling with trading activities.
