Over 200 civilians were reportedly killed on Saturday following strikes by the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets on Jilli market, located between Geidam and Gubio Local Government Areas of Yobe and Borno states.

Peoples Gazette learnt that the civilians were killed during a military air raid targeting fleeing terrorists along the borders of both states.

The Nigerian Air Force and the Borno State government are yet to comment on the development as of press time.

When contacted by The Gazette on Sunday, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodami, did not respond to phone calls and text messages sent to his telephone line.

However, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that it had activated an emergency response after receiving preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli market, which reportedly resulted in casualties among some marketers.

Meanwhile, special adviser to the Yobe state governor on security matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd), also confirmed the incident. But he claimed that it occurred within Borno State.

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