surv!vors of Borno a!rstrike recount ordeal, say they were animal traders
survivors of Borno airstrike recount ordeal, say they were animal traders
Survivors of the recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State have said they were animal traders going about their legitimate businesses when the incident occurred, describing the attack as sudden and devastating.
The victims on Sunday spoke after an airstrike reportedly struck the weekly market in Jilli village, along the border between Borno and Yobe State, on April 11, 2026, during an operation involving the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed in the attack, which left traders and residents in panic as explosions rocked the busy market.
One of the survivors, Abu Goni, said the incident happened shortly after Maghrib prayers while traders were still in the market.
“I went to the market with my horse. All of a sudden, a jet came. I didn’t even know what was going on, and everyone there did not pay attention to the jet. We were there after Maghrib prayer around six before the strike began. After the strike, some died, some did not die, but I thank God I am alive,” he said.
Goni said he was unaware of claims that the market was linked to insurgent activities, insisting it functioned as a normal trading point for livestock.
“To be honest, I am not aware of that. Around six years ago, soldiers once settled there, but now it’s just a normal market where we sell domestic animals. In the whole market, there are no houses or buildings; only goats and sheep are sold. People bring animals, sell, and return home,” he added.
Another survivor, Bulama Balo, said multiple jets were involved in the operation, alleging that three aircraft took turns during the strike.
“Three jets came, sometimes three, sometimes two. They were interchanging. The first one came, dropped fire, the second one came and dropped its own too,” he said.
Following the incident, Balo said survivors fled to Maigumeri community for safety before later seeking medical attention.
“Around 3 o’clock in the night after the incident, we went to Maigumeri and slept there. Around 9 o’clock this morning, we went to the General Hospital,” he said, adding that some victims were referred to a teaching hospital.
Meanwhile, Govermor Babagana Zulum said the Jilli market had been closed five years ago.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum said Jilli and another market had been shut down, describing the area as a former hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.
He said he had been briefed on the airstrike and was in consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting security operations and protecting law-abiding citizens.
