At Least 200 Feared Dead As Nigerian Air Force Bombs Busy Borno–Yobe Market

Maiduguri, Borno State– At least 200 people are feared dead and dozens more injured after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike mistakenly struck a crowded weekly market along the volatile Borno–Yobe border.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, a major trading hub situated between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The market typically attracts hundreds of traders and buyers from surrounding communities, making it a densely populated commercial center, especially on peak trading days.

According to multiple eyewitnesses and local officials, fighter jets deployed under Operation Hadin Kai carried out the airstrike while targeting suspected fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province believed to be operating within the area.

However, in a devastating turn, the bombs reportedly missed their intended targets and instead hit the civilian-populated market.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and horror as multiple explosions ripped through the crowded trading ground.

“We suddenly heard the sound of jets flying low, and within seconds, explosions followed. People were running in all directions. Many were killed instantly,” one survivor said.

Another local resident described the aftermath as catastrophic: “Bodies were scattered everywhere. Some people were buried under collapsed stalls and debris. It is a disaster beyond words.”

Initial counts from the scene confirmed at least 56 bodies recovered shortly after the incident.

However, local sources and emergency responders warn that the true death toll may be far higher, with some estimates placing fatalities at up to 200 as search and recovery operations continue.

Dozens of injured victims were rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for urgent medical attention.

Hospital sources confirmed that at least 14 injured persons are currently receiving treatment, while several others with critical injuries have been referred to medical facilities in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

The Borno–Yobe border region remains one of the most volatile frontlines in Nigeria’s protracted counter-insurgency war, where military operations frequently intersect with civilian life.

Insurgent groups often operate within and around local communities, increasing the risk of deadly errors during aerial bombardments.