No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead after an airstrike hit a busy weekly market at Jilli Market, along the border of Borno State and Yobe State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, also left several others injured, with victims receiving treatment at a hospital in Geidam.
Residents said the strike happened during peak trading hours, when the market was crowded with buyers and sellers from nearby communities.
Sources indicated that the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have been operating in the area. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target and hit civilians instead.
An eyewitness said explosions rang out shortly after fighter jets were sighted over the area.
According to the source, at least 56 bodies were counted at the scene, with fears that the death toll could rise as more victims are recovered.
The witness added that several injured persons were evacuated to a medical facility in Geidam for urgent treatment.
Local authorities also confirmed the incident, though casualty figures varied.
A ward councillor in the area said more than 20 injured victims were admitted to the hospital, with some later succumbing to their injuries, pushing the death toll higher.
The Special Adviser on Security to the Yobe State Governor confirmed that the incident occurred around the border community but noted that the affected location falls within Borno State.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force on the incident.
The market, which serves as a major trading hub, attracts people from several surrounding communities, making it particularly busy on market days.
Residents said panic broke out as the strikes continued, forcing traders and buyers to flee in different directions.
The development has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety during military operations in conflict-affected regions.
Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the need for improved intelligence and precision in operations targeting insurgent groups, especially in areas where civilian activities are ongoing.
The latest incident is likely to intensify calls for accountability and clearer operational safeguards to prevent civilian casualties in future operations.
Further details are expected as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the strike.
