By Our Correspondent

National News – No fewer than 30 people have been feared dead after a military airstrike struck a crowded weekly market in Jilli village, located along the border between Borno and Yobe states in northeastern Nigeria.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., when traders and residents had gathered for routine commercial activities at the bustling Jilli Market.

According to local authorities, including councillor Lawan Zannah, the airstrike is believed to have been carried out by the Nigerian Air Force during an operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

However, the bombs reportedly hit the busy civilian market instead, resulting in heavy casualties and widespread panic.

Zannah confirmed that over 30 people were killed, while more than 20 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitness accounts painted a grim picture of the aftermath. One resident claimed to have counted as many as 56 lifeless bodies, with additional victims still being recovered from the debris.

The market, which typically attracts traders from nearby communities such as Gubio, Geidam, Chiweram, Benisheikh, and Gurokayeya, was said to be at peak activity when the explosions occurred.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru, confirmed the incident but clarified that Jilli village falls under Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the strike.

The incident raises fresh concerns over civilian safety in military operations against insurgency in the region.

Residents are calling for a thorough investigation to determine how the airstrike missed its intended target and to ensure accountability, as well as measures to prevent future tragedies.