Over 30 people have been reportedly, killed following a military airstrike on a busy weekly market at Jilli village, along the border of Borno and Yobe States.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening at the popular Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam axis, threw traders and residents into panic as multiple explosions reportedly rocked the crowded trading centre.
A local councillor, Lawan Zannah, confirmed the casualty figures in a telephone interview on Sunday, stating that over 30 persons had been confirmed dead, while more than 20 others sustained injuries and were receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses, however, suggested that the death toll could be significantly higher.
One resident claimed to have counted dozens of corpses at the scene, adding that search efforts were ongoing to recover more bodies.
The airstrike was said to have occurred around 4:00 p.m. at the peak of commercial activities, with several fighter jets reportedly involved in the operation.
It indicated that the strike may have targeted suspected members of Boko Haram believed to have gathered in the area.
However, the bombs allegedly hit the densely populated market instead, leading to heavy civilian casualties.
The Jilli market is a major commercial hub that attracts traders from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.
Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier- General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd.), said Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement regarding the airstrike.
