Survivors of the recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State have said they were legitimate animal traders caught in a sudden and devastating attack.
The victims spoke on Sunday, April 12, 2026, a day after the airstrike hit the weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The operation involved the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army.
Earlier reports indicated that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed, as explosions tore through the busy market, triggering panic among traders and residents.
One of the survivors, Abu Goni, said the incident occurred shortly after Maghrib prayers while business activities were still ongoing.
“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 dismissed claims that the market was linked to insurgent activities, insisting it operated as a normal livestock trading hub.
“To be honest, I am not aware of that. Around six years ago, soldiers once settled there, but now it’s just a normal market where we sell domestic animals. In the whole market, there are no houses or buildings; only goats and sheep are sold. People bring animals, sell, and return home,” he added.
Another survivor, Bulama Balo, alleged that multiple jets were involved in the strike, saying the aircraft operated in turns.
“Three jets came, sometimes three, sometimes two. They were interchanging. The first one came, dropped fire, the second one came and dropped its own too,” he said.
Balo added that survivors fled to Maigumeri community in the early hours of Sunday before seeking medical attention later that morning.
“Around 3 o’clock in the night after the incident, we went to Maigumeri and slept there. Around 9 o’clock this morning, we went to the General Hospital,” he said, noting that some victims were later referred to a teaching hospital.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the Jilli market had been officially closed about five years ago.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor described the area as a former hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics networks. He added that he had been briefed on the airstrike and was consulting with the Yobe State Government and military authorities.
Zulum reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security operations while ensuring the protection of law-abiding citizens.
