Former Vice President and prominent leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing condemnation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following a botched airstrike at the Jilli weekly market that left at least 56 people dead.
The strike, which occurred on Saturday, April 11, targeted a busy trading hub situated on the border between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. While military sources indicate the operation involved four fighter jets intended to neutralize Boko Haram insurgents, reports from the scene confirmed that the vast majority of the casualties were civilian traders and shoppers.
“A Devastating Failure”
In a statement released via his official X handle on Sunday, Atiku described the incident as a “devastating failure” of intelligence and operational execution. He lamented the recurring theme of “accidental” strikes in the North-East, where civilians are frequently caught in the crossfire of anti-terror operations.
“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” Atiku stated. “While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage.”
Comparison to International Standards
The former Vice President drew a sharp contrast between the Nigerian government’s handling of civilian lives and the recent high-stakes rescue mission conducted by the United States.
Referring to the US-Iran military escalation earlier this week, Atiku noted that the United States reportedly deployed over 150 aircraft and spent approximately $300 million to rescue a single downed pilot in Iranian territory.
“That is the value they place on one citizen,” Atiku remarked. “Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.”
Demands for Accountability
Atiku’s comments add to a growing chorus of national outrage over the Jilli massacre. This incident follows a string of similar “mishaps,” including the 2023 Tudun Biri drone strike in Kaduna, which led to promises of systemic reform that critics argue have yet to materialize.
The ADC chieftain emphasized that the “ultimate essence of National Security” is the protection of the citizenry, calling on the military high command to move beyond apologies and ensure strict accountability for those responsible for the mission’s failure.
Current Situation at the Border
The Borno and Yobe state governments have yet to release a joint casualty figure, but local health officials in Geidam confirmed that dozens of survivors with severe shrapnel wounds are currently being treated under emergency conditions.
The Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged the operation but stated that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the “civilian presence” in what was designated as a high-threat insurgent zone.
As of Sunday evening, the Jilli area remains under heavy military patrol, while mourning families across the two states prepare for mass burials.
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