‘I Lost Six Brothers’ — Survivor Speaks After Jilli Market Airstrike Kills Dozens

Mallam Abatcha Gubio, a resident of Jilli community on the Borno–Yobe border, has recounted his loss following last Saturday’s airstrike on the Jilli market, saying six of his brothers were among those killed and over 100 victims have since been buried.

The airstrike targeted a location long regarded by security agencies as a hub for insurgent activity. Known locally as “Kasu Daulaye,” the market had been shut down by the Borno State Government about five years ago due to its links to terrorist logistics and operations.

Nonetheless, residents continued to use the market, citing its importance to surrounding communities lacking alternative trading centres.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, defended the strike, insisting it was based on credible intelligence and aimed at individuals collaborating with insurgents.
“There was no innocent person there… They were there for business with terrorists,” he said.

But Gubio challenged that position, maintaining that civilians were caught in the attack.
“We grew up knowing the market and it operates legally… Many people from Benesheikh, Damasak, Geidam, Magumeri, Maiduguri and even Niger Republic patronize it,” he said.
He added: “We have succeeded in burying over 100 dead bodies so far recovered in the market.”

He explained that economic necessity kept the market active despite restrictions, describing it as a central hub where livestock and goods were sold at lower prices.

Security sources indicated that the fighter jet involved had been tracking suspected insurgents believed to be at the market to collect levies and source supplies.

Backing the military action, former Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) said the strike was justified, noting that the market had repeatedly been used by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when such locations are persistently used by terrorists, action becomes necessary,” he said, while acknowledging reports of civilian casualties as “painful and deeply regrettable.”

Buratai also warned residents of nearby communities to avoid engaging in trade at locations linked to insurgents, stressing that such interactions could expose them to future military operations.

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