Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described an accidental military airstrike at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border as heartbreaking and a national tragedy, news.ng reports.
Recall that over the weekend, an unspecified number of people reportedly died after a Nigerian military aircraft bombarded a village market while pursuing Boko Haram in the northeastern region of the country.
According to Amnesty International in a post on Sunday, the airstrike led to the deaths of more than 100 people, leaving 35 others wounded.
Meanwhile, Obi, in a post on X on Monday evening, while commiserating with the families of the victims, called on the military to at all times confirm their targets before engaging.
Obi stated, “I read the reports of the accidental airstrike at Jilli Market in the Borno–Yobe border area, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several innocent Nigerians. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the affected states in this painful tragedy. May God grant eternal rest to the departed and comfort to all who are grieving.
“I have refrained from making any hasty conclusions on the matter, as the details remain unclear, including what exactly transpired and the confirmed casualty figures.”
The recent accidental airstrike by the Nigerian military is not the first, as the military has carried out strikes intended for insurgents but which, unfortunately, led to civilian casualties.
Recall that in December 2024, in Sokoto State, airstrikes targeting terrorists hit Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, killing about 13 people.
Also, in January 2025, in Zamfara State, in Tungar Kara in the Maradun/Zurmi area, an accidental airstrike killed about 20 civilians.
In another incident, in December 2023, in Kaduna State, a military drone hit villagers observing Maulud in Tudun Biri, killing at least 85 people, according to the BBC.
Meanwhile, Obi, in his caution, noted that “such tragic incidents are often associated with a combination of factors, including operational constraints, coordination challenges, and limitations in equipment and ageing platforms.”
Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, urged the government to ramp up investment in the military.
He stated, “This underscores the urgent need to invest in modern fighter jets, upgrade existing platforms, and ensure continuous, rigorous training and retraining of military personnel.
“We must continue to stand in solidarity with our military personnel who risk their lives daily to keep Nigeria safe.”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps toward the fight against insecurity in the country.
“Overall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must rise fully to the immense challenge of national security. At this critical time, decisive leadership, strengthened coordination of security architecture, and sustained investment in modern defence capacity are required to address the worsening insecurity and prevent further loss of innocent lives,” he said.
