April 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Jilli Market, a border community between Borno State and Yobe State, describing it as a tragic and avoidable loss of innocent lives.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and local officials, the strike — carried out on April 11, 2026 — allegedly killed over 100 civilians and left many others injured. The operation was said to be targeting suspected insurgents, but multiple sources indicate that the intended targets were missed, resulting in devastating civilian casualties.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu, the AAC described the incident as “yet another painful reminder of the reckless and unaccountable use of force by the Nigerian state against its own people.”
The party highlighted what it called a disturbing pattern, claiming that Nigeria has recorded at least 19 accidental airstrikes on civilian populations since 2017. It referenced previous tragedies, including the 2023 Tudun Biri drone strike that killed more than 85 civilians, as well as a 2024 airstrike in Sokoto State that reportedly claimed over 10 lives.
The AAC also cited a January 2025 bombing in Zamfara State, where between 16 and 20 civilians were said to have been killed in a similar “mistaken strike.”
Condemning what it termed a cycle of impunity, the party stated that such incidents are often followed by weak justifications and empty promises of investigation, with little or no accountability.
The AAC further criticized the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for urgent reforms and insisting that Nigerians must demand better governance and protection of lives.
In a bold call to action, the party urged citizens to organize peaceful nationwide protests against insecurity and economic hardship, emphasizing that lawful demonstrations remain a fundamental democratic right.
Expressing deep sympathy to the victims and their families, the AAC stressed that “Nigeria cannot continue on this path where the lives of ordinary citizens are treated as expendable.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that an investigation is underway. In an official statement, the NAF said it is aware of reports that the airstrike may have affected a local market, resulting in civilian casualties.
The Air Force noted that the Chief of Air Staff has activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to conduct a thorough fact-finding mission at the scene.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilian lives, the NAF stated that it treats all allegations of civilian harm with “utmost seriousness and empathy” and pledged transparency in its investigation.
The military also urged the public and media to avoid speculation while the probe continues, assuring Nigerians that it remains committed to balancing national security operations with the safety of innocent citizens.
As investigations proceed, the tragedy at Jilli Market adds to growing concerns over civilian safety in military operations across conflict-affected regions in Nigeria.
