Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at a weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border.
The cleric, known for speaking on security and conflict issues in northern Nigeria, made his position known in a Facebook post on Sunday, a day after the tragic incident. He raised serious concerns about accountability within the country’s military operations and questioned those responsible for authorising and carrying out the strike.
“We need answers, not condolences,” Gumi said, expressing frustration over what he described as repeated cases of civilian deaths linked to military air operations.
The airstrike took place on Saturday evening at the popular Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. The market is a major trading hub in the area, drawing farmers, traders and buyers from several nearby communities.
Eyewitnesses said the attack happened around 4:00 p.m., during peak trading hours when the market was filled with people. According to residents, multiple fighter jets were seen flying over the area before bombs were dropped, causing loud explosions and widespread panic.
Many traders and customers were caught off guard and could not escape. Several people were killed on the spot, while others sustained injuries. Local sources say the death toll may be higher than initial reports, with bodies still being recovered.
Although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, reports suggest that more than 50 people may have lost their lives in the incident.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), confirmed that the incident occurred but did not provide detailed information about the operation or the number of casualties.
Military sources indicated that the airstrike was part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts targeting suspected terrorists in the region. However, it remains unclear how the operation led to such a high number of civilian deaths.
In his reaction, Gumi questioned the decision-making process behind the strike. He asked who authorised the bombing and who the pilots involved were, insisting that such questions must be answered openly.
“Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?” he asked.
The cleric also pointed to previous incidents where civilians were reportedly affected by military airstrikes. He mentioned the Tudun Biri bombing, as well as reported strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto states, describing them as part of a troubling pattern.
According to him, these repeated incidents suggest deeper problems in how military operations are planned and carried out, especially in areas where civilians and suspected insurgents live close to each other.
“Tudun Biri, Nasarawa attack on herdsmen trailer, Sokoto attack — these are just a few of the recorded cases,” he said.
Gumi warned that such actions could weaken public trust in the military and the government. He stressed that the fight against terrorism must not come at the cost of innocent lives.
“Terror cannot be fought with another terror,” he added.
He called on the Nigerian Senate to immediately step in by organising public hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of civilian locations such as villages and markets.
According to him, a transparent investigation is necessary not only to uncover the truth but also to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“There should be immediate Senate hearings on these so-called mistakes on bombing villages, markets and civilian targets,” he said.
The North-East region of Nigeria has been affected by insurgency for more than a decade, mainly driven by Boko Haram and other armed groups. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths and forced millions of people to leave their homes.
In response, the Nigerian military has continued to carry out operations, including airstrikes, aimed at destroying insurgent camps and reducing their ability to launch attacks.
While these operations have helped in weakening insurgent groups, they have also raised concerns about the safety of civilians, especially in areas where people depend on local markets and farming for survival.
Jilli Market, like many rural markets in the North-East, plays a vital role in the local economy. It provides a place for people to buy and sell food, livestock and other goods. Any disruption to such markets affects not only livelihoods but also food supply in the region.
Residents in the area are now living in fear following the latest incident. Many are worried about returning to markets or gathering in large numbers, as they are unsure of their safety.
Community leaders have also called for a full investigation and support for victims. Families of those who lost their lives are demanding justice, while those injured are in need of medical care and assistance.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the focus is now on whether authorities will take concrete steps to investigate the Jilli airstrike and address the concerns raised by citizens.
For many Nigerians, especially those living in conflict-affected areas, Gumi’s message reflects a wider demand for transparency and responsibility. Beyond condolences, they want clear answers and real action to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.