Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has demanded an investigation into a Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at Jilli market on the Borno-Yobe border. Amnesty International condemned the incident, while the NAF dispatched a fact-finding team. Hospitals are appealing for blood donations amid victim influx.
On Saturday evening, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents near Jilli village market along the Borno-Yobe border, between Gubio in Borno and Geidam in Yobe local government areas. Witnesses cited by Amnesty International reported three jets bombed the market, killing over 100 people, while Geidam General Hospital received at least 35 with severe injuries.
The NAF has dispatched a fact-finding team to probe reports of the accidental bombing at the weekly market in Jilli.
In a Sunday Facebook post, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi questioned who authorised the strike and urged the Senate to hold hearings on repeated 'mistakes' like Tudun Biri, Nasarawa and Sokoto incidents. "Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals? Terror cannot be fought with another terror," Gumi said. "We need answers not condolences."
Amnesty International condemned the operation, stating, "Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method." The group called for an impartial investigation.
The State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri admitted 21 victims from Jilli requiring urgent blood transfusions, Medical Director Shehu Muhammad said, appealing for donations. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum noted the state closed the market five years ago as a notorious hub.
