Civil society organisations and security experts have condemned the airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a busy weekly market along the Borno State–Yobe State 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, during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
In an earlier statement, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, through its spokesperson, Sani Uba, said scores of terrorists were neutralised and their vehicles destroyed, with surviving fighters fleeing the scene.
However, following reports of heavy civilian casualties, the Nigerian Air Force said it had launched an investigation into the incident. The NAF stated that it had activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to conduct a fact-finding mission.
Witnesses and residents gave harrowing accounts of the strike, which occurred at about 4:00 p.m. while the market was at its busiest.
A resident, Umar Bomai, said multiple fighter jets were involved in the operation.
“We initially saw one jet circling the market and thought it was providing security. Later, more jets arrived. Suddenly, explosions started, and people began to run. Despite efforts to escape, the strikes continued,” he said, claiming that about 200 bodies were counted at the scene.
Another resident, Babagana Bukar, who lost his father in the incident, said the death toll could exceed 200, noting that some victims died in nearby bushes while trying to flee, while others later died in hospital.
Local authorities also corroborated the high casualty figures. The councillor of Futchimiram ward, Lawan Zanna, said preliminary reports indicated that over 200 people were killed, with dozens of others hospitalised in Geidam and Damaturu.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency described the incident as an accidental airstrike affecting civilians and confirmed that some victims were traders from Geidam.
According to the agency, emergency response teams have been deployed on the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, while humanitarian assistance is being coordinated for affected communities.
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the governor, Abdulsalam Dahiru, confirmed that the operation targeted a known insurgent enclave in Gubio LGA, but acknowledged that civilians were affected.
Meanwhile, a community volunteer, Idriss Alhaji Baffa, said hospitals in Geidam are overwhelmed, with patients reportedly receiving treatment on the floor and inside vehicles due to lack of space.
He appealed for urgent support, especially blood donations, describing the situation as critical.
The incident has intensified concerns over civilian safety in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, even as authorities continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
