Survivors of the recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State have said they were peacefully carrying out their livestock trading activities when the attack occurred, describing it as sudden and devastating.
According to The PUNCH, the incident happened on April 11, 2026, at the weekly market in Jilli village, located along the Borno–Yobe border. The operation was reportedly carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed in the strike, which caused panic as explosions hit the busy market.
One of the survivors, Abu Goni, said the attack happened shortly after Maghrib prayers while traders were still present. He recounted how the situation unfolded, noting that no one initially paid attention when the aircraft appeared overhead.
“I went to the market with my horse. All of a sudden, a jet came. I didn’t even know what was going on, and everyone there did not pay attention to the jet. We were there after Maghrib prayer around six before the strike began. After the strike, some died, some did not die, but I thank God I am alive,” he said.
Goni also dismissed claims that the market was linked to insurgent activities, insisting that it operates strictly as a livestock trading centre. He explained that although soldiers had once occupied the area several years ago, it is now used only for buying and selling animals such as goats and sheep, with no permanent buildings or residential structures……See More
Leave a Reply