- Safiu Kehinde
An accidental military airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno-Yobe border, has left several people dead with many others injured.
The incident reportedly occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday.
According to multiple sources, a military fighter jet had, in an operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, launched the air strike which missed its target and bombed the market largely comprising of traders.
The Boko Haram insurgents were believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies which prompted the military action.
Unfortunately, the attack ended up claiming lives of traders and several others in the market with the intended target missed.
While no offical report on the actual number of casualties has been released, an eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.
“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source as quoted by Daily Trust.
When contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.
“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.
“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.
“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.
Also reacting, the Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident, but said it occurred within Borno State.
“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.