In a devastating turn of events, a Nigerian airstrike aimed at dismantling a Boko Haram stronghold has resulted in the deaths of more than 100 civilians at a bustling market in Yobe state. The incident, which is one of the deadliest misfires in recent memory, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and raised urgent questions about the Nigerian military’s operational protocols.
A Market Day Turned Deadly
On what should have been a routine market day in the village of Jilli, chaos erupted as the Nigerian air force launched a strike intended for jihadist fighters. Instead of targeting the militants, the airstrike hit the crowded market, causing widespread devastation. Local media, alongside Amnesty International, reported the shocking toll of civilian casualties, which include men, women, and children who were simply going about their daily lives.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, confirmed the grim details, stating
