Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recent airstrike that hit a busy market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border, describing the incident as a tragedy and a failure of the country’s security system to protect innocent lives.
The airstrike, which occurred on Saturday evening, reportedly left no fewer than 30 people dead, with many others injured. The attack took place at the popular weekly Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. The market is known to attract large numbers of traders and buyers from surrounding communities.
Eyewitnesses said the strike happened around 4:00 p.m. when business activities were at their peak. Traders, farmers and transporters were going about their normal activities when explosions suddenly rocked the area. Panic spread quickly as people ran for safety.
Some witnesses claimed the number of casualties could be higher than reported, with bodies still being recovered from the scene. The full extent of the damage may take time to confirm as rescue efforts continue.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has since confirmed that it carried out air operations in the Jilli axis on April 11, 2026. According to the military, the strikes were part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, which is aimed at defeating Boko Haram and other armed groups in the North-East.
In its statement, the Air Force said the operation targeted locations believed to be used by terrorists and that several Boko Haram fighters were neutralised. However, the military has not directly addressed reports of civilian casualties or confirmed whether the market itself was hit during the operation.
Reacting to the development, Atiku, in a statement posted on his social media page on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives. He said the incident should not be seen as a normal part of military operations, but as a serious failure that must be addressed.
“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” he said.
He questioned how long Nigerians would continue to face danger not only from insurgents but also from security operations meant to protect them.
“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?” he added.
The former Vice President also compared the situation in Nigeria to a recent military operation by the United States, where significant resources were used to protect a single life. According to him, the comparison highlights the need for Nigeria to place greater value on the lives of its citizens.
“Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran,” he said. “That is the value they place on one citizen. Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives?”
Atiku called for a full investigation into the incident and urged the government and military authorities to ensure accountability. He stressed the need for urgent steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
He also extended his condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as to the affected communities.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizens. That is the ultimate essence of national security,” he said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the ongoing conflict in Nigeria’s North-East, where communities have lived under the threat of insurgency for more than a decade. The Boko Haram crisis has led to widespread destruction, loss of lives and displacement of millions of people.
Markets, in particular, have often been targets of attacks because they attract large crowds. At the same time, they remain essential for the survival of local communities, serving as centres for trade and access to food and basic goods.
Military operations in the region have increased in recent years, with airstrikes playing a key role in targeting insurgent camps and fighters. While these operations have recorded successes, there have also been concerns about their impact on civilians, especially in areas where fighters and local populations live close to each other.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed fear and uncertainty following the incident. Many say they now feel unsafe even in places like markets, which are central to their daily lives.
Community leaders have called on the federal government to investigate the strike and provide support to victims. There are also growing calls for compensation for families who lost loved ones and for those whose means of livelihood have been destroyed.
As of now, authorities have yet to release an official figure for the total number of casualties. Emergency responders and local volunteers are still working to recover bodies and assist the injured.
The Jilli incident has sparked fresh debate about how to balance military action with the protection of civilian lives. For many Nigerians, especially those living in conflict zones, the hope is that lessons will be learned and that stronger measures will be put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.