Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties at a market along the Borno–Yobe border.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Yobe State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident but said no official casualty figures were available as of the time of filing this report.
He added, “We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what transpired. At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified.
“Security agencies are on the ground assessing the situation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and response, after which the public will be duly informed with accurate and official updates.”
Dilli Market is popular for attracting traders and buyers from neighboring communities, including Giedam in Yobe State, as well as Gubio, Chibok axis communities, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
According to sources, the NAF airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating within the area.
“The insurgents usually come to the market to collect levies from traders and gather supplies,” a source told our correspondent.
Another source in Damaturu stated that the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents at the time of the strike but missed its intended target.
“At least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” the source added.
Emergency response efforts were ongoing as of filing this report, with injured victims receiving treatment at hospitals in Giedam and Damaturu.
As of the time of filing this report, the NAF had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
