At least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a market in Jilli, Yobe State, northeast Nigeria, during an operation against Islamist militants.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on Saturday night in Jilli Market, located in the border area between Yobe and Borno states. Local councilors and residents reported that the airstrike took place while military forces were pursuing militants in the region.
- Location: Jilli Market, Yobe/Borno border area.
- Alleged Target: Islamist militants (Boko Haram).
- Reported Impact: Massive civilian casualties, with estimates exceeding 200 deaths.
Conflicting Official Accounts
A significant discrepancy exists between the military's official statements and the local government's reports regarding the strike's impact.
Nigerian Air Force Statement:
- The Air Force stated that it successfully killed Boko Haram militants in the Jilli axis.
- However, the official statement did not mention any attack on a civilian market, and the service did not respond to further requests for comment.
Yobe State Government Confirmation:
- The Yobe State government confirmed that an air strike had been conducted near a market where civilians were gathered.
- Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, military adviser to the Yobe state government, confirmed that people from Geidam LGA were affected by the strike at the Jilli weekly market.
Emergency Response and Casualties
The scale of the casualties prompted the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to activate an immediate emergency response.
- Initial Reports: SEMA received preliminary reports of the incident, noting casualties among local marketers.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Residents confirmed the strike and the resulting injuries. Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old vendor, reported being injured in a blast at the market.
- Medical Aid: Injured individuals were reportedly being transported to hospitals in both Yobe and Borno states.
