By Ayomide Otitoju
The Yobe State Government has clarified that the Jilli community affected by a recent military air strike is a known Boko Haram stronghold located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The State Security Adviser, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), made the clarification in a statement on Monday, dismissing reports suggesting that the incident occurred in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He explained that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, carried out the strike on Jilli on Saturday, April 11, targeting what he described as a Boko Haram stronghold.
“The attention of the Yobe State Government has been drawn to online reports suggesting an attack on the people of Geidam LGA… The air strike mission was conducted on Jilli in Gubio LGA of Borno State,” the statement read.
Abdulsalam added that some of the injured victims were residents of Geidam who had crossed into the area for market activities and were later evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, Dr. Shehu Mohammed, confirmed that 21 injured persons from the incident were receiving care at the facility, noting that all were in stable condition but some required blood transfusions before surgery.
He called on residents to donate blood to support ongoing treatment efforts.
Reports indicate that several people were feared killed during the air strike at the border community market, which security sources said was being monitored for suspected Boko Haram activity.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum described Jilli market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics networks, noting that it had been officially shut down years earlier.
He also urged residents to avoid any form of support or collaboration with insurgent groups, adding that he was in consultation with security authorities and the Yobe State Government over the incident.
However, Amnesty International alleged that the air strike may have killed over 100 people and said dozens of injured victims had been admitted to hospitals in the area.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has launched an investigation into reports of civilian casualties, stating that it takes all allegations of harm to non-combatants seriously and with empathy.
