Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Civilians feared killed after reports of air strike on Nigerian market
Initial reports suggest that an air attack near a market in northern Nigeria may have caused civilian casualties. The incident occurred close to the border between Yobe and Borno states, as military jets targeted Islamist militants in the region, according to Reuters and local media. However, the Nigerian Air Force has not officially confirmed the market was hit or that any deaths occurred.
Discrepancies in casualty numbers
Details about the number of victims remain uncertain. Reuters cited a local official, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, and three civilians, stating at least 200 people were killed. Meanwhile, the Sun and Punch reported 10 fatalities, while the Daily Trust claimed an eyewitness saw 56 deaths and 14 injuries. The market, a hub for traders and buyers from nearby areas, was reportedly struck during a military operation targeting insurgent groups.
“It’s a very devastating incident,” said Zanna Nur Geidam, noting that injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno states.
Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old vendor, described the attack to Reuters. He said he was caught in the blast and dragged to safety by a companion. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency shared preliminary reports on Facebook, confirming casualties at Jilli Market but stating further verification is pending. The agency also mentioned that emergency teams were dispatched to the site.
Context of the ongoing conflict
The area is central to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced over two million people and claimed thousands of lives. The Nigerian Air Force’s statement claimed follow-up strikes were intended to disrupt remaining militants and their cells. Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, representing Yobe state, noted that some residents from a neighboring local government area were impacted.
Amnesty International criticized the strike, labeling it as “over 100 people killed” and accusing the military of using “reckless deadly force.” A post on X highlighted the “shocking disregard” for civilian lives, questioning the legality of such operations. The north-east of Nigeria has seen repeated instances where air strikes against militants have mistakenly targeted civilians, including in villages and refugee camps.
