Tragedy Strikes: Airstrike on Nigerian Market Leaves Civilians Feared Dead

Mon Apr 13 2026 04:34:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A devastating airstrike in north-eastern Nigeria has reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region.

Reports indicate that a Nigerian military airstrike may have accidentally struck a market near the Yobe-Borno state border, resulting in significant civilian casualties. While various sources report differing death tolls, local officials fear the numbers could exceed 200. The Nigerian Air Force claims its actions targeted terrorist activity, but humanitarian organizations are condemning the attack as reckless and a violation of law enforcement standards.

Civilians are feared to have died after reports that Nigerian military jets struck a village market in the north-east of the country.

The attack took place near the border between Yobe and Borno states while an aircraft was said to be engaged in an operation against Islamist militants in the area, according to reports from Reuters and local sources.

The Nigerian Air Force stated it conducted 'mop-up' airstrikes on 'identified terrorist locations' within the Jilli axis of Borno State on Saturday, but has not confirmed that it struck the market or the resulting casualties.

This region has been at the heart of the long-running Boko Haram insurgency, which has driven more than two million people from their homes and claimed thousands of lives.

Contradictory reports emerge regarding the number of casualties following the strike on the market. Citing councilor Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam and various residents, Reuters reported that at least 200 people have died. 'It's a very devastating incident,' he stated, mentioning that the injured have been transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.

While some Nigerian media outlets, including the Sun and Punch, reported that only 10 people had died, the Daily Trust claimed eyewitnesses indicated that at least 56 individuals were killed, with 14 others hospitalised.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed receipt of 'preliminary reports' regarding the incident at Jilli Market, acknowledging that some marketers were affected. Emergency response teams have been deployed, although specifics regarding the circumstances and casualty count remain unverified.

Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam confirmed that residents from Geidam LGA who attended the market were impacted by the attack. Ahmed Ali, a market trader, shared his experience of the incident with Reuters, recounting his injuries and the panic that ensued.

Amnesty International's Nigeria branch condemned the strike, asserting it resulted in 'over 100 deaths' and criticized the military's tactics as an illegitimate method of law enforcement. The organization described the incident as a reckless application of deadly force that disregards the lives of civilians.

Such tragic occurrences of military actions mistakenly affecting civilians have been reported frequently in Nigeria’s northeast, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and better protocols in conflict zones.