By Suleiman Anyalewechi
An accidental airstrike from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has reportedly killed several persons at a crowded weekly market on the border between Borno and Yobe States.
Several others were reportedly injured in the unfortunate incident which occurred at Dilli Market within Gubio Local Council of Yobe State.
The airstrike which was originally targeted at Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist elements with operation camps on the border areas of the two security challenged states, however mistakingly hit the market on Saturday evening.
The weekly market, according to local witness accounts, holds much attraction for traders and other market users from across many communities within the border of Borno and Yobe States, including Giedam, and Gubio from Yobe State ,as well as Chibok and Benisheikh in Borno State.
The Yobe State Police Command, however, could not provide the exact number of casualties as at the time of reporting.
Dungus Abdulkarim, the spokesperson for the Command, while confirming the unfortunate development, however informed that operatives have been deployed to the affected areas for an on-the-spot assessment.
“We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno/Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what actually transpired.
“At the moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures as details are still being gathered.
“Security agencies are on the ground assessing the situation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and response, after which the public will be informed.
However, some local witness accounts have put the initial casualty figures at over 30, with more believed to have succumbed to their injuries at medical facilities.
Several others who sustained severe injuries are said to be battling for their lives at various hospitals, with fears of more deaths rife
The Source reports that the alleged ill-fated airstrike targeted at insurgents in the aftermath of the Benisheikh military base invasion that resulted in the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other soldiers .
Most of the terrorists operating within the axis are believed to be conducting their shopping at the busy weekly market,and also come regularly to collect taxes and levies from the people.
The authorities of the NAF and the Governments of Borno and Yobe States were yet to react officially to the incident as at the time of reporting.
But a local witness informed that the market is within the jurisdiction of Gubio Local Government Area in Yobe state, even though it is sitting on the border .
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