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Airstrike Tragedy: Over 200 Feared Dead in Yobe

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Airstrike in Yobe

Emmanuel Azubuike

More than 200 people are feared dead following an airstrike by Nigerian military jets that reportedly struck a busy market in Yobe State, in what is believed to be a mistaken attack during operations against insurgents.

According to reports from Reuters on Sunday, the incident happened on Saturday night. Information from local officials, residents, and humanitarian sources indicates that the strike hit civilians gathered at the Jilli weekly market.

While the military confirmed carrying out an aerial operation targeting Boko Haram fighters in the Jilli axis of neighbouring Borno State, it did not admit to hitting a civilian market, maintaining that the mission was part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

However, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, a military adviser to the Yobe State Government, acknowledged that civilians were affected. He explained that individuals from Geidam Local Government Area, near the Borno border, had travelled to the market and were caught in the strike.

A local councillor, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, described the incident as deeply devastating, estimating that the number of casualties could exceed 200.

Emergency officials have also responded. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed receiving early reports of the attack, noting that traders were among the victims and that response efforts are underway.

The tragedy comes amid intensified government actions against terrorism financing. Just a day earlier, authorities released a list of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly linked to funding insurgency, as part of broader efforts to weaken armed groups.

In a separate development, Nigerian courts recently secured convictions against hundreds of individuals connected to militant groups, highlighting the government’s continued crackdown on insurgency.

Reacting to the airstrike, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident, calling it both tragic and unacceptable. He questioned the repeated loss of civilian lives during military operations, asking how long Nigerians would remain vulnerable to both insurgents and the forces meant to protect them.

He also extended condolences to affected families, stressing that safeguarding citizens must remain the primary responsibility of the government.

Civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes have remained a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Past incidents—including the 2017 bombing of a displacement camp in Rann and more recent strikes in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Nasarawa—have raised concerns over intelligence accuracy and operational coordination.

Since 2017, such incidents are estimated to have claimed the lives of over 400 civilians, reinforcing calls for improved precision and accountability in military operations.

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Events

Apostle Selman Donates ₦200m Cash, Food Items to Victims of Plateau Attack

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Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and unity in the state following recent violent attacks in parts of the region.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International (Koinonia Global), Joshua Selman, at the Government House in Jos during a condolence visit.

During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash valued at over ₦200 million to support victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State.

Mutfwang described the visit as a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of the state during a period of grief, expressing appreciation for the cleric’s gesture and humanitarian support.

He also commended members of the delegation, including former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy, and Mr Bestman Wadia, for their support and connection to the state.

The governor lamented the attacks but noted that government had extended assistance to both Christian and Muslim families affected by the violence, stressing the need for unity beyond religious lines.

He reiterated that ongoing efforts were being made to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and urged residents to remain hopeful despite the challenges.

Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes at home and in the diaspora to contribute to the development and stability of the state, describing Plateau as a “collective responsibility” that must be protected by all.

Earlier, Selman said the visit was to sympathise with victims and stand in solidarity with the people of the state.

He described Plateau as a land of great potential and resilience but lamented the recurring violence affecting communities.

As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essentials valued at over ₦100 million, to be distributed in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He also disclosed additional financial support of about ₦100 million for affected families, noting that the gesture was aimed at bringing comfort and hope to victims.

Selman stressed the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity, saying every stakeholder has a role to play in restoring peace and stability in the state.

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From Dialogue to Action: Reps Committee Leads Strategic Push for Lasting Peace in Plateau

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In a decisive move to confront the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State and Beyond convened a high-level one-day dialogue on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The conference, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos, attracted a wide spectrum of stakeholders committed to restoring peace and stability across the region. The gathering underscored the urgency of addressing insecurity through inclusive and coordinated efforts.

Themed “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond,” the event created a rare opportunity for frank conversations among key actors. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, peacebuilding experts, and civil society organizations all took part, bringing diverse perspectives to the table. The conference emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and building a more united Plateau.

Deliberations centered on uncovering the underlying causes of recurring conflicts, including communal tensions, mistrust, and gaps in security coordination. Participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, alongside the adoption of proactive measures such as early warning systems and grassroots conflict resolution frameworks. Many speakers highlighted that sustainable peace can only be achieved through fairness, inclusivity, and continuous dialogue among all stakeholders.

As the conference drew to a close, there was a strong consensus on the need to move beyond discussions to concrete actions. Stakeholders called for sustained engagement, policy implementation, and accountability to ensure that resolutions reached are not left on paper. With renewed hope and shared commitment, participants expressed confidence that such unified efforts could usher in lasting peace in Plateau State and serve as a blueprint for resolving security challenges across Nigeria.

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