…..More Victims Feared Trapped, Yet to Be Accounted For
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
At least 56 bodies have been recovered following a military airstrike that struck a crowded weekly market in Jilli Village, a border community between Borno and Yobe States, on Saturday evening.
Sources indicated that the airstrike may have been targeted at suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area. However, the bombs reportedly landed on the market, resulting in heavy civilian casualties.
An eyewitness who participated in the rescue effort said the death toll stood at 56 as of Sunday noon with more victims feared trapped or yet to be accounted for.
“I counted 56 corpses myself; more bodies are still being recovered,” the witness said.
The market serves as a commercial hub for several surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam, making it heavily populated at the time of the strike.
Medical sources at the Geidam Specialist Hospital confirmed that dozens of injured victims were rushed to the facility, where they are currently receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency unit. Two critically injured persons have been referred to the University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu for further care.
Emergency response efforts were still ongoing as of Sunday, with personnel working to evacuate victims from the scene.
However, the influx of casualties has overwhelmed available medical facilities, with reports of inadequate manpower and limited space.
“Some victims are being treated on the floor, under tree shades, and inside vehicles due to lack of space,” a source disclosed.
