The Nigerian Air Force conducted an airstrike on the Jilli weekly market in Yobe state, north-eastern Nigeria. According to Amnesty International and local media reports, the attack resulted in the deaths of more than 100 civilians, with many others injured.

The Yobe state government confirmed in an official statement that the military strike targeted a stronghold of the Boko Haram jihadist group in the area, but noted that "some people... who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected." Officials acknowledged that a misfire had occurred but did not provide specific details.

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International's Nigeria director, stated: "We are in touch with people that are there; we spoke with the hospital. We spoke with the person in charge of casualties and we spoke with the victims." The organization confirmed from survivor accounts that the death toll is at least 100 people.

The Nigerian military frequently conducts air raids to combat armed groups utilizing vast forest enclaves. An Associated Press tally of reported deaths indicates that military operations have killed at least 500 civilians since 2017. Security analysts have pointed to deficiencies in intelligence gathering, as well as insufficient coordination between ground troops, air assets, and stakeholders.

The Nigerian Air Force did not immediately respond to inquiries. This incident underscores the severe toll on civilian populations in the fight against the jihadist insurgency that has ravaged the north-eastern region for over a decade.

Source: www.theguardian.com