An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly caused multiple civilian casualties at a busy market straddling the Borno–Yobe border, sparking concern among residents and authorities.
The strike occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. The market serves as a key commercial centre for surrounding communities, drawing traders and buyers from Giedam, Benisheikh and parts of southern Borno.
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident but said details remain sketchy. Its spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, stated that security agencies were still working to establish what happened and determine the scale of casualties.
“We are aware of the incident and are currently verifying information. No confirmed casualty figures are available at this time,” he said, assuring that updates would be provided once investigations progress.
Residents and local sources said the airstrike was part of an operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating within the area. The insurgents were said to frequently visit the market to extort traders and obtain supplies.
However, witnesses claimed the strike may have missed its intended target, hitting the crowded marketplace instead.
Preliminary reports from locals suggested that at least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, although officials have yet to confirm these figures.
Emergency responders were seen evacuating victims, with the injured taken to hospitals in Giedam and Damaturu for urgent medical care.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not released an official statement, leaving uncertainty over the circumstances that led to the strike and its aftermath.
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