Zulum: Jilli Market Closed Five Years Before Deadly Airstrike

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said that Jilli Market, located along the Borno–Yobe border, had been officially shut down by the state government five years ago due to its alleged use as a logistics hub by insurgents.

The governor made this known while reacting to the recent airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which reportedly killed more than 50 people at the market on Saturday.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Zulum emphasized that both Jilli and Gazabure markets were closed as part of security measures aimed at disrupting the activities of Boko Haram and their supply networks.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike… Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” he said.

He added that the state government works closely with security agencies and neighboring authorities, including the Yobe State Government, before reopening markets or resettling communities affected by insurgency.

Zulum also warned residents against aiding or harbouring insurgents, urging them instead to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations.

The incident has continued to raise concern over civilian safety in conflict zones, even as authorities continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the airstrike.