Over 200 civilians were said to have lost their lives on Saturday after Nigerian Air Force fighter jets carried out strikes on Jilli market, a location between Geidam and Gubio Local Government Areas in Yobe and Borno states.
The air operation was aimed at terrorists who were reportedly fleeing along the border areas of the two states. However, civilians at the busy market were caught in the raid, leading to heavy casualties.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed it had begun emergency response efforts after receiving early reports of an incident at Jilli market, which allegedly affected some traders in the area.
In a related development, the special adviser to the Yobe State governor on security matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd), also confirmed that the incident took place but said it happened within Borno State territory.
“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State,” Mr Dahiru told newsmen on Sunday.
