At least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a village market while pursuing Islamist militants in the northeast of Nigeria on Saturday night, according to multiple sources. The attack occurred near the border between Yobe and Borno states, an area at the center of the long-running Boko Haram insurgency that has displaced over two million people and killed thousands.
Key Takeaways
A Nigerian airstrike hit a village market while pursuing Islamist militants, resulting in disputed casualty reports. According to multiple sources, at least 200 people were feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a village market near the border of Yobe and Borno states on Saturday night.
- At least 200 people are feared dead according to local officials and residents
- The Nigerian Air Force confirmed air strikes in the area but did not confirm casualties or hitting the market
- Reports from various sources indicate conflicting casualty numbers ranging from dozens to over 200
- Amnesty International condemned the strike, calling it unlawful and reckless
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed carrying out "mop-up" air strikes on "identified terrorist locations" within the Jilli axis of Borno State but did not confirm hitting the market or causing casualties. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency reported receiving preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli Market resulting in casualties, with emergency response mechanisms activated and assessment teams deployed to the area.
Local officials and residents provided varying accounts of the casualty numbers. Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a councillor for the area, told Reuters that over 200 people had been killed, while Nigerian outlets The Sun and Punch reported sources saying at least 10 people were killed with several others injured. Newspaper Daily Trust cited an eyewitness stating at least 56 people died with 14 hospitalized.
Amnesty International condemned the strike, calling it unlawful and reckless, emphasizing that launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method. The organization urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and hold perpetrators accountable. This incident echoes previous occurrences where military operations against Islamist insurgents have mistakenly targeted civilians in villages, camps for displaced people, and markets.
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