Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Sunday said the Jilli market in Gubio local government area of the state, where the military carried out an airstrike that reportedly killed civilian victims, was closed five years ago.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, on Sunday, Governor Zulum described Jilli market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.
“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states. Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the Governor said.
“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” he added.
Governor Zulum explained that the Borno State Government maintains close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling any community or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.
He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and sustaining collaborative efforts with security agencies to restore lasting peace and stability across the state.
“The Governor further urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing military operations,” Illiya said.
Recall PUNCH Online earlier reported that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed after a military airstrike struck the weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno State and Yobe State, on Saturday evening.
The incident, which occurred at the popular Jilli Market, reportedly left traders and residents in a state of panic as explosions rocked the busy trading centre.
The strikes executed on April 11, 2026, were conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army, following an earlier operation that targeted and destroyed terrorist positions in the area.
