By Abubakar H. Muhammad (9News Nigeria, Northeast)
An unidentified Air Force has bombarded a local market in Yobe State, resulting in the death of about 200 people, and injuring many.
The attack happened in Saturday at Jilli Market in Fucchimiram Ward, located in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe, near the border with Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
It was reported that the airstrikes were carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area.
The insurgents were said to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies.
The market attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Giedam, Gubio, Chiweram and Benisheikh.
However, it was gathered that, while the fighter jet was tracking a group of suspected insurgents at the time of the strike, it did not hit the intended target.
According to Yerwa Express News, local sources have said that about 200 people were killed during the strike, while many others are currently receiving treatment in Geidam hospital, and other were rushed to Damaturu, the state capital for treatment.
Lawan Zanna Nur, a councillor representing Fucchimiram Ward, said he was at the Geidam emergency medical ward assisting with the evacuation of injured victims, the paper said.
Zanna was quoted saying ”I am currently at the Geidam emergency medical ward bringing in victims with different degrees of injuries. We just lost two victims even this very minute.”
He added that the number of casualties could rise as rescue efforts continue.
”The figures are not certain as we are still evacuating people. But as I am speaking, over 200 people have lost their lives from the airstrike at the market,” he noted.
Also, some bodies remain in nearby bushes, while others have been evacuated to medical facilities in Borno State.
This newspaper cannot confirm which Air Force launched the strikes at the time of filling this report. This however, is due to the presence of other military air forces, besides the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating in the country.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
