Air Strike Tragedy: Civilians Feared Killed in Market Bombing

Civilians are feared dead following reports that Nigerian military jets struck a village market in the country’s north-east during an operation targeting insurgents.

The incident reportedly occurred around the border area of Yobe and Borno states, a region heavily affected by the long-running insurgency of Boko Haram. According to local sources and Reuters, the airstrike may have hit a crowded market, though details remain unclear.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed it carried out “mop-up” strikes on what it described as identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on Saturday. However, it has not confirmed striking a civilian market or provided any official casualty figures. The operation, it said, targeted fleeing insurgents and regrouping cells in the area.

Reports on casualties vary widely. Some local sources cited by Reuters claim that as many as 200 people may have been killed, while other Nigerian media outlets reported lower figures, ranging from about 10 deaths to over 50 fatalities, with several others injured. The weekly market is known to attract large numbers of traders and residents from surrounding communities.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed it had received preliminary reports of casualties at the Jilli Market and has deployed response teams to assess the situation, noting that details remain unverified.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with many attempting to flee as the strike occurred. One trader recounted how he narrowly escaped after being pulled to safety.

The incident has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, which condemned the reported strike and warned against the use of excessive force in civilian areas.

Nigeria’s north-east has witnessed similar incidents in the past, where military operations against insurgents have mistakenly affected civilians, especially in densely populated areas like markets and displacement camps.