At least, 56 people, mostly traders are feared dead after a military airstrike hit a busy weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.

The incident happened on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State.

Four fighter jets were said to be involved in the operation, which was reportedly aimed at suspected Boko Haram fighters.

Reports said the jets were tracking insurgents believed to have come to the market to collect money and supplies from traders. However, the strike missed its target and hit civilians instead.

About 14 to 20 injured victims were reportedly taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment.

A local councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, also confirmed the attack.

He said people tried to escape when the jets began firing, but the strikes continued.

According to him, “more than 20 people were hospitalized,” and some of the injured later died, pushing the death toll higher.

The security adviser to the Yobe State governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident but clarified that the market is actually located in Borno State.

As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force has not released any official statement about the airstrike.