Islamic leader, Ahmad Gumi has urged for a quick and clear investigation into a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike that reportedly killed over 100 civilians at the busy weekly market in Jilli village, which is on the Borno–Yobe border.
The event took place on Saturday evening during the busiest shopping hours, leading to widespread outrage. While the Nigerian military claims it successfully targeted a Boko Haram hideout and supply center, local officials and human rights organizations have confirmed that civilians at the market were among those impacted.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Gumi expressed deep concern about what he sees as a worrying trend of military actions that threaten civilian lives. He pointed to earlier incidents, including the Tudun Biri bombing and other strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto, to show that current security measures are not effectively protecting innocent people.
“Who are the pilots responsible for dropping bombs on harmless locals?” Gumi asked, insisting that the Senate should hold immediate hearings into these repeated errors. He stressed that the battle against terrorism cannot be effectively maintained through actions that reduce public trust, saying, “We need answers not condolences.”
On Sunday, the Yobe State government confirmed the incident. Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru, who advises the Yobe State Governor on security issues, recognized the operation but shared few details at that time. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has now set up response teams to help the affected market vendors.
Residents and local officials report a high death toll, with some estimates suggesting there are as many as 200 casualties, including both deceased and injured individuals. Survivors and hospital staff in the area are dealing with the aftermath, as many victims receive medical treatment in hospitals in Yobe and Borno.
While the military claims their operation was based on reliable intelligence about a gathering of Boko Haram insurgents near the market, there is a significant gap between their account and the reported high number of civilian casualties. Human rights group Amnesty International has called for a detailed investigation, highlighting accounts from survivors who described the terrible impact on the busy market.
