Military jet misses target, kill 56 persons in Borno

Ebun Emmanuel –April 12, 2026

Traders numbering about 56 people are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalised following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno-Yobe states border.

The airstrike was said to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies.

However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target.

An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

“The incident happened around 2.46pm while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source said.

When contacted, the Councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rstd), confirmed that the incident occurred in Borno State.

“I have spoken with the chairman of the Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State,” Dahiru said.

The defence headquarters has yet to speak on the incident.