An airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly led to civilian casualties at a market located along the Borno–Yobe border.
The incident was said to have occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, close to Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online, noting that official casualty figures were not yet available at the time this report was filed.
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 known for attracting traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Giedam in Yobe State, as well as areas around Gubio, the Chibok axis, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
According to local sources, the airstrike occurred during a military operation aimed at 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 told our correspondent.
Another resident in Damaturu stated that the fighter jet was pursuing 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 response efforts were still ongoing as of press time, with injured victims reportedly receiving treatment at medical facilities in Giedam and Damaturu.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not released an official statement regarding the incident.
