UPDATED: Local authorities say “at least 200” feared dead in Yobe market airstrike
More than 200 people are feared to have died in the airstrike on Jilli Market in Yobe State, according to local sources.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Jilli Market in Fucchimiram Ward, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, near the border with Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
An earlier report said a military airstrike pursuing terrorists landed in the market.
The terrorists were said to be at the market collecting levies from traders.
There was however no independent confirmation of this.
However, multiple residents confirmed the airstrike, with a councillor putting the death toll at over 200.
Lawan Zanna Nur, the councillor representing Fucchimiram Ward, told a local news outlet, Yerwa Express, that he was at the Geidam emergency medical ward assisting with the evacuation of injured victims.
“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 said.
“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.”
According to other sources, there are still more bodies in nearby bushes, while others have been evacuated to medical facilities in Borno State, and some to Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
