YOBE, NIGERIA – A military airstrike targeting a Boko Haram stronghold in Jilli, located within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, drawing sharp condemnation from Amnesty International and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The attack, which occurred in the border region between Borno and Yobe states, has left affected communities in mourning, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of escape attempts that ended in tragedy.
Residents who were at a local market in Geidam, Yobe State, were caught in the crossfire, leading to what witnesses describe as a devastating loss of innocent lives.
Civilians Trapped as Fighter Jets Strike
According to sources close to the affected community, residents attempted to flee when fighter jets began firing, but were unable to escape the impact zone. The speed and intensity of the bombardment left little room for evacuation, trapping many within the strike radius.
“People ran in different directions, but the jets were too fast. There was nowhere to go,” a resident who survived the attack told reporters.
More than 20 injured persons were initially hospitalised, with some later succumbing to their injuries. The death toll, however, may be significantly higher, according to international observers.
Yobe State Government Confirms Market-Goers Among Victims
The Yobe State Government has since clarified that the operation was not directed at civilians but rather targeted a Boko Haram stronghold in Jilli, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued by Dahiru Abdulsalam, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, the government acknowledged that some residents from Geidam in Yobe State who had gone to the market were unfortunately affected by the incident.
Abdulsalam confirmed that victims were evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. He did not provide a specific casualty figure but assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
Amnesty International: “Over 100 Civilians May Have Been Killed”
Reacting to the development, Amnesty International issued a strongly worded condemnation, alleging that over 100 civilians may have been killed in the attack.
The global human rights organisation criticised the use of air power in a civilian setting, describing it as unlawful and reckless.
“The Nigerian military must immediately halt the use of disproportionate force in civilian areas. This attack is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for accountability,” the organisation said in a statement.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to launch an independent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
Atiku Abubakar: “A Devastating Failure”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in on the tragedy, describing the incident as a “devastating failure” and lamenting the continued loss of innocent lives.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku questioned the value placed on Nigerian lives and urged authorities to review operational strategies.
“How many more innocent Nigerians must die before we rethink our approach?” he wrote. “Safeguarding citizens from both insurgents and flawed military operations remains the core responsibility of government.”
He called for an immediate review of rules of engagement, emphasising that civilian protection must remain paramount in counter-insurgency operations.
Background: Jilli as a Boko Haram Stronghold
Jilli, located in Gubio LGA of Borno State, has long been identified as a hideout for Boko Haram insurgents. The area has witnessed repeated military operations aimed at dislodging terrorist elements who have used the terrain to launch attacks on nearby communities in both Borno and Yobe states.
The military has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but security sources suggest that intelligence had indicated the presence of high-value targets in the area at the time of the strike.
Communities Grapple with Aftermath
As of press time, both Yobe and Borno State governments are yet to provide a comprehensive account of the incident. Affected communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, with many families still searching for missing relatives.
Local hospitals have reported an influx of patients with shrapnel wounds and severe burns, stretching already limited medical resources.
Calls for Independent Investigation Intensify
Human rights advocates and civil society organisations have joined Amnesty International and Atiku Abubakar in demanding a full, independent investigation into the airstrike.
They argue that while the fight against Boko Haram remains a national security priority, the protection of civilian lives must not be sacrificed in the process.
“Counter-insurgency cannot become a license for impunity,” one rights activist said. “Every civilian death must be investigated, and those responsible for unlawful killings must be held accountable.”
