By Damilare Adeleye
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has addressed the recent military action in the state, disclosing that the Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area was officially closed five years ago.
Reports had emerged that scores of civilians were feared killed after a Nigerian Air Force airstrike struck the weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday evening. The incident reportedly left traders and residents in a state of panic as explosions rocked the trading center.
Reacting via a statement by the Special Adviser 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. He added that he remains in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and the military hierarchy regarding the matter.
Governor Zulum explained that the Borno State Government maintains strict coordination with the military and security agencies before resettling any community or reopening markets, particularly in areas heavily impacted by the insurgency. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and sustaining collaborative efforts to restore lasting peace.
“The Governor further urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing military operations,” Iliya said.
On its part, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed its operation in the Jilli axis, stating it was carried out to sustain pressure on terrorists in the North-East. In a statement issued Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that scores of insurgents were neutralized and hideouts were destroyed in precision follow-up air strikes.