A tragic incident has been reported in northeastern Nigeria after an airstrike allegedly struck a busy market in Yobe State during military operations targeting insurgents.
According to local officials and residents, the strike occurred in the Jilli area, where traders and shoppers had gathered, leaving an estimated 200 people feared dead and several others injured.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed it has opened an investigation into reports of civilian casualties, activating its Civilian Harm Investigation team to determine what happened.
Military authorities said earlier operations in the area were aimed at neutralising Boko Haram militants within the region.
Officials in neighbouring Yobe State stated that the strike took place near a market involving residents from surrounding communities, adding that emergency response teams have been deployed.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as devastating, with victims rushed to hospitals across Yobe and neighbouring Borno State for treatment.
Local sources and humanitarian workers confirmed the scale of the incident, with some residents claiming the death toll could exceed 200, though official figures are still being verified.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency has since activated its emergency response system to manage casualties and provide support to affected families.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the airstrike.
- Ahmed kingimi/Reuters
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