‘We need answers’ — Sheikh Gumi demands probe over NAF airstrike

Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has demanded an urgent probe into the Nigerian Air Force airstrike that reportedly left more than 50 civilians dead at a weekly market in Jilli village along the Borno–Yobe border.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi questioned the accountability surrounding the operation, asking who authorised and carried out the strike that hit innocent civilians.

He referenced past incidents, including the Tudun Biri bombing as well as reported strikes in Nasarawa and Sokoto, describing them as part of a worrying pattern of attacks affecting non-combatants.

According to him, terrorism cannot be defeated through actions that put civilian lives at risk, warning that such operations could erode public trust.

He also urged the Senate to immediately launch hearings into what he described as repeated “mistakes” involving the bombing of villages, markets and other civilian locations.

Gumi said: “Who are the pilots behind these bomb releases on innocent locals?

“Tudun biri, Nasarawa attack on herdsmen trailer, Sokoto attack etc are just the few ones recorded. Terror cannot be fought with another terror.

“There should be an immediate Senate hearings on these so-called ‘mistakes’ on bombing villages, markets and civilians targets.

“We need answers not condolences.”

Gumi made the comments following an airstrike that reportedly struck a weekly market at Jilli village, along the border of Borno State and Yobe State on Saturday evening.