By Hadiza Mohammed, Minna
An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly left several civilians dead and others injured after hitting a busy market along the Borno–Yobe border.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The spokesperson for the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online, noting that authorities were still working to verify details, including the number of casualties.
“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,” he said.
Dilli Market is a major trading hub that attracts buyers and sellers from surrounding communities, including Giedam in Yobe State, as well as Gubio, Chibok axis communities, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
Local sources said the airstrike was part of a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be active in the area.
“The insurgents usually come to the market to collect levies from traders and gather supplies,” a source disclosed.
Another source in Damaturu claimed the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents at the time but missed its intended target.
“At least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” the source added.
Emergency responders were still working at the scene as of press time, with injured victims reportedly receiving treatment at hospitals in Giedam and Damaturu.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
