BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and several others injured after an airstrike struck a busy weekly market at Jilli village, located along the border between Borno State and Yobe State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has raised serious concerns over civilian safety during ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East region.

Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is a major commercial hub that attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya, and Geidam.

According to multiple local sources, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents who were believed to have visited the market to collect levies and source supplies from traders.

However, the strike reportedly missed its intended targets and instead hit areas crowded with civilians actively engaged in market activities.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:46 p.m., when several fighter jets were seen hovering over the area before explosions were heard. One witness claimed that at least four jets were involved in the operation, though visibility of all aircraft was unclear.

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“I counted 56 bodies myself and assisted in rescuing injured victims. The number could be higher because more bodies are still being recovered,” a local source said, adding that panic broke out as traders and buyers attempted to flee during the bombardment.

Medical sources confirmed that at least 14 injured victims were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for treatment, while others were reportedly moved to nearby health facilities. Some of the injured were later referred to a teaching hospital in Damaturu due to the severity of their conditions.

Local officials have given varying casualty figures as rescue efforts continue. A ward councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed that dozens were killed, noting that some of those initially hospitalised later died, pushing the death toll higher.

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), also confirmed the incident but clarified that the affected community falls under Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack has sparked fear and outrage among residents, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike and measures to prevent civilian casualties during military operations.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement regarding the airstrike or the reported civilian casualties.

Security experts say the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between insurgents and civilians in conflict zones, particularly in areas where armed groups are known to blend into local populations.

Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue and more details emerge about the operation and its outcome.

BREAKING: 56 Killed in Accidental Bombing at Borno–Yobe Border Market

Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia has ordered the permanent forfeiture of multiple properties belonging to Pastor Theophilus Ebonyi, founder and General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, after ruling that the assets were acquired through proceeds of a large-scale fraud scheme estimated at about N1.39 billion.

The judgment followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which told the court that the forfeited properties were linked to funds traced to a fraudulent investment and fake grant operation allegedly run through Theobarth Global Foundation.

The court, presided over by Justice M.O. Olajuwon, held that the EFCC successfully established that the assets were derived from unlawful activities under the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. The judge further ruled that the defendant failed to provide credible evidence to justify legitimate ownership of the properties.

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The forfeited assets include a 23-room hotel and event centre in Nyanya Gwandara, a warehouse and sachet water factory in Karu, two office buildings, a primary school, and a bank account containing over N1 million. Authorities said these properties were either directly purchased or developed using proceeds from the alleged financial fraud scheme.

EFCC investigators told the court that Ebonyi was arrested in 2023 over allegations that he orchestrated a fraudulent scheme through Theobarth Global Foundation, where he promoted a fake $20 billion Ford Foundation grant. The commission said he falsely claimed affiliation with the internationally recognised Ford Foundation, a claim the organisation has publicly denied.

According to investigators, victims were made to pay about N1.8 million each as registration and processing fees, with promises of access to the non-existent grant. The EFCC stated that the scheme defrauded individuals and corporate bodies of approximately N1.39 billion before it was exposed.

With the court’s ruling, all listed assets have now been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to recover proceeds of crime and dismantle fraudulent investment networks.

The EFCC said the judgment marks a major step in the prosecution process and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that proceeds of advance fee fraud are recovered and returned to public ownership.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against falling for fake grant schemes or investment programmes that promise unrealistic returns or falsely claim affiliation with reputable international organisations such as the Ford Foundation.

Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

Gunmen Kill Imo Traditional Ruler, Security Operatives in Brutal Attack

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Community, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, alongside security operatives in a violent and coordinated attack in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, sparking widespread shock and renewed concern over insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The attack occurred on Friday along the Assa–Ochia boundary, shortly after the monarch reportedly returned from an overseas trip and was travelling back to his community from Owerri.

The monarch had only just arrived in Owerri earlier in the day after returning from abroad and was on his way home when armed men ambushed his convoy. Sources said the attackers blocked the road at the boundary axis before opening fire on the vehicle carrying the traditional ruler and his security escort, in what witnesses described as a swift and coordinated operation.

During the attack, several security personnel attached to the monarch were also shot dead, though authorities have not confirmed the exact number of casualties. A local source alleged that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the monarch’s movement, suggesting the assault may have been planned in advance, although this remains unverified.

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Residents further reported that after the shooting, the attackers allegedly set parts of the convoy on fire, leaving vehicles and victims engulfed in flames. The incident triggered panic across nearby communities, forcing many residents to flee the area as tension spread.

The killing has thrown Ochia and surrounding communities into mourning, with traditional and community leaders expressing deep shock over the loss and the violent nature of the attack.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stating that security operatives were immediately deployed to the area following reports of the attack. He said the Commissioner of Police ordered a tactical response team to be stationed in the Ohaji/Egbema axis to restore order and begin a full investigation into the killings.

Okoye added that while the number of casualties among the security operatives remains unconfirmed, efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers responsible. He also confirmed that security presence has been strengthened across the area as part of measures to prevent further attacks and restore calm.

The killing has heightened tension in Ohaji/Egbema, with residents calling for urgent intervention to address rising violence in the region. Security agencies say investigations are ongoing and that all leads are being pursued to uncover those behind the assassination of the traditional ruler, with assurances that the perpetrators will be arrested and brought to justice.

Gunmen Kill Imo Traditional Ruler, Security Operatives in Brutal Attack