Over 200 Feared Dead in Nigerian Military Airstrike on Village Market
Hundreds of people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets conducted an airstrike on a village market in the country's northeast on Saturday night. According to a local councillor and residents, the attack occurred as the military pursued Islamist militants, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
Details of the Incident in Yobe State
The airstrike took place in a village in Yobe state, which borders Borno state—a region long plagued by an insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a councillor and traditional head for Fuchimeram ward in Yobe's Geidam district, reported that over 200 people lost their lives in the strike at Jilli Market.
In a telephone interview with Reuters, Geidam stated, "It's a very devastating incident at Jilli Market. As I'm speaking to you, over 200 people have lost their lives from the air strike at the market." He added that those injured were being transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno states.
Military Confirmation and Lack of Comment
Nigeria's Air Force confirmed it had killed Boko Haram militants in the Jilli axis of Borno state. However, its statement to Reuters on Sunday made no mention of hitting a market. The Air Force did not respond to subsequent requests for comment, leaving questions unanswered about the civilian casualties.
Eyewitness Accounts and Corroboration
Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old resident who sells medical consumables at the market, described being injured in the blast. "I became so scared and attempted to run away, but a friend dragged me and we all lay on the ground," he recounted from hospital. Three other residents and an official from an international humanitarian agency corroborated the strike and the likely death toll, highlighting the widespread impact.
Emergency Response Activated
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed receiving preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli Market "which reportedly resulted in casualties affecting some marketers." The agency has activated its emergency response to address the aftermath of the tragedy.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's fight against insurgency, where military operations sometimes result in significant civilian harm. The region has been a hotspot for conflict, with previous incidents, such as a bomb blast at a market last month, adding to the toll of violence and displacement.
