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 At least 56 people, predominantly traders and market-goers, are feared dead following an airstrike that struck Jilli Market—a bustling weekly trading hub straddling the border between Borno and Yobe states—on Saturday afternoon. Fourteen others are receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition, according to multiple local sources and eyewitness accounts.

The incident occurred around 2:46 p.m. WAT at Jilli Market, which serves communities from both Gubio Local Government Area in Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area in Yobe State. The market typically draws traders and buyers from surrounding settlements including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.

Sources familiar with the operation told Daily Trust that fighter jets were tracking a group of suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect illegal levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target, with devastating consequences for civilians conducting legitimate business.

An eyewitness who assisted in rescue efforts provided a harrowing account of the attack. "The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions," the source said.

"I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered."

Malam Lawan Zanna, the Councillor of Fichimaram Ward under which Jilli village falls, confirmed the incident and provided additional details on the casualty figures.

"The incident occurred at Jilli village's weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike," Zanna said. "When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed."

He further stated that more than 20 people were hospitalized at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, with two critically injured victims referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. "Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30," he added.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retired), acknowledged the incident but clarified jurisdictional boundaries. "I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details," he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of the airstrike or the reported civilian casualties. The incident raises urgent questions about targeting protocols, intelligence accuracy, and the recurring challenge of civilian harm during counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria's northeast.

Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more verified information becomes available from military authorities and humanitarian agencies operating in the affected area.