An airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly caused civilian casualties at a busy 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, according to local sources.
The spokesperson for the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the development but said the number of casualties had yet to be officially verified.
“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,” he said.
“At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified.”
He added that security agencies had been deployed to the area to assess the situation.
“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,” Abdulkarim said.
Dilli Market is a major trading hub that attracts traders and buyers from several neighbouring communities.
These include Giedam in Yobe State, as well as Gubio, communities in the Chibok axis, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
Local sources who spoke with Punch said the airstrike occurred during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating around the market area.
“The insurgents usually come to the market to collect levies from traders and gather supplies,” a source said.
Another resident in Damaturu said the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents but appeared to have missed its intended target.
“At least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” the source said.
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.
