War on terror: Dozens feared dead in Borno-Yobe airstrike

*NAF probes civilian casualties

By Kingsley Omonobi and Ndahi Marama

Scores of persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram group and their sympathisers were feared dead yesterday, following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border market reportedly shut by Borno State government five years ago.

This came as terrorists weekend killed no fewer than 18 persons during an attack on Bunkasau village, under Zarummai ward in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zanfara State.

Though it was alleged that those killed in the market, known as Jilli, included civilians, the Nigeria Air Force, which is the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, said it had taken note of the report and was investigating the issue.

This is even as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, described the airstrike as a devastating failure that must touch every conscience.

The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target. An eyewitness said: “The incident happened about 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 said.

He added that 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

Contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, said: “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 hospitalised 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.

However, both Borno and Yobe State governments, which confirmed the bombing, said those killed were terrorists and not civilians.

Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Illiya, described the market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their suppliers.

‘’I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai on the Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states.  Let me state categorically that the Borno State government closed the  Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago.

According to him, the state government is in close consultations with Yobe State and the military hieracrchy on the matter.

Zulum expained that his administration miantained close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.

 Similarly, Yobe State government confirmed that the military airstrikes in Jilli village targeting Boko Haram enclaves, also affected some civilians who went to market for trading in the general area.

Special Adviser on Security Matters to Yobe State governor, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, retd, in a statement, yesterday, said: “The attention of Yobe State government has been drawn to online reports suggesting an attack on the people of Gaidam LGA

“It has  become necessary to set the records straight. The Air Component of the Joint Task Force, (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air strike mission on Jilli (a Boko Haram stronghold) of Gubio council on Saturday.

“However, some people from Geidam LGA bordering Gubio LGA in Borno State who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected. They have been evacuated to Geidam  Specialist Hospital and responding to treatment,” he explained.

Buratai says terrorist hub was target

Reacting to the airstrike last night, former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, described it as a necessary military action against a terrorist stronghold.

Buratai, in a statement, said the strike was based on credible intelligence indicating that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were using the market for logistics and operations.

He acknowledged reports of civilian casualties, noting that the loss of the innocent lives was painful and deeply regrettable.

The former army chief, however, commended the Nigerian Air Force and intelligence agencies for what he described as courage and professionalism in executing the operation.

According to him, Jilli market has a long history as a terrorist logistics hub in spite of repeated military raids and closures over the years.

He recalled that troops had occupied the area during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, engaging insurgents in several encounters.

Buratai noted that terrorists continued to exploit the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.

He stressed that insurgents often embeded within civilian populations, using them as shields, thereby complicating military operations.

“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when such locations are persistently used by terrorists, action becomes necessary,” he said.

He urged residents of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak and Ngamdu to desist from trading in markets linked to insurgent activities.

According to him, communities that continue such interactions risk exposure to military operations targeting terrorists.Buratai therefore called for sustained public support for the armed forces, emphasising that decisive action remained key to ending insurgency.

He added that while the nation mourned the innocent victims, it must remain resolute in confronting terrorists.

NAF investigates alleged civilian casualties in Jilli

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information in a statement said: “The Service treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy, as the protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations. 

“In line with this commitment, the CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to  immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation. 

“The NAF remains firmly committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of its missions, and will work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts. While this process is ongoing, the Service respectfully urges the public and the media to refrain from speculation and allow the review to proceed without prejudice. 

“The Nigerian Air Force reassures all citizens of its steadfast resolve to protect both national security and civilian lives, while ensuring that every credible concern is addressed  with the diligence and seriousness it deserves.”

Borno hospital raise alarm over blood shortages 

Meanwhile, the Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Dr. Shehu Muhammad, yesterday, raised the alarm that the facility was in serious needs of blood from donors, adding that 21 persons had been admitted following the Air Component strikes in Jilli village.

Muhammad noted that the Medical workers on duty are doing their best to save lives, saying

“We need people to donate blood, as most of the victims brought in from Jilli need blood transfusion with immediate effect.”

Airstrike tragic, devastating failure that must outrage every conscience -Atiku

Atiku on his X handle, yesterday, said: “ While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?  Just a few days ago,  the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen. 

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen.  That is the ultimate essence of National Security,” he added. 

Terrorists kill 18 in Zamfara community 

On the attack on Zamfara community, residents said the assailants, numbering over 80 and riding on motorcycles, stormed the village at about 9 p.m., on Friday, shooting sporadically at residents.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa, stated that 18 people were killed while many others sustained injuries.

Governor Dauda Lawal, while reacting, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the attacks on Bunkasau, Yar Galma, and Dogon Daji communities as senseless acts of violence against innocent citizens.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed the immediate deployment of a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Governor to provide support and ensure medical attention for the injured. 

The governor also reassured the people of Zamfara State of the government’s resolve to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and restore peace across all communities.

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