Amnesty International reported that more than 100 people were killed in the airstrike, while local officials indicated that the total number of casualties, including the injured, could reach around 200. The Nigerian Air Force, while confirming the airstrike, stated that they aimed to target Boko Haram fighters but did not acknowledge hitting a market.

This incident has raised alarms, particularly given the history of the region. The area has been a center of the long-running Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions and resulted in thousands of deaths. In a statement, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a local leader, described the airstrike as “Na very devastating incident for Jilli Market. Ova 200 pipo don die from di air strike for di market.”

In response to the airstrike, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency activated an emergency response to assist those affected. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame announced that they would begin an investigation into claims of civilian casualties during the airstrikes, emphasizing the military’s commitment to accountability.

The Nigerian military has faced criticism in the past for mistakenly hitting civilian targets during air operations. Since 2017, it is estimated that around 500 civilians have been killed due to military air raids, raising serious concerns about the conduct of military operations in conflict zones.

Amnesty International criticized the airstrike, stating, “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard.” This statement reflects ongoing concerns regarding the military’s approach to combating insurgency in the region.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of civilian casualties due to conflicting reports from various sources. As the situation develops, observers are closely monitoring the response from the Nigerian military and the implications for civilian safety in the ongoing conflict against Boko Haram.

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