An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties at a 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 Yobe State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the development to PUNCH Online but said no official casualty figures were available as of the time of filing this report.
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 to attract traders and buyers from neighbouring communities, including Giedam in Yobe State, as well as Gubio, Chibok axis communities, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
According to local sources, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating within the area.
“The insurgents usually come to the market to collect levies from traders and gather supplies,” a source told our correspondent.
Another source in Damaturu said the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents at the time of the strike but missed its intended target.
“At least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” the source added.
Emergency response efforts were ongoing 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.
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