Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu following the deadly airstrike at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi described the incident as a troubling reflection of systemic failures within Nigeria’s defence structure. He expressed concern over what he called repeated airstrikes affecting unarmed civilians in northern Nigeria, stressing that such tragedies highlight deeper operational weaknesses.
The former Anambra State governor extended his condolences to the victims’ families and those injured in the attack. Reports indicate that several people were killed, while at least 21 civilians sustained injuries and were taken to the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment.
While noting that he avoided rushing to conclusions due to unclear details surrounding the incident, Obi maintained that similar occurrences in the past point to recurring challenges within military operations. He cited issues such as coordination lapses, outdated equipment, and operational constraints as contributing factors.
Obi emphasised the urgent need for reforms, including investment in modern fighter jets, upgrading existing military platforms, and ensuring continuous training and retraining of personnel. According to him, these measures are necessary to prevent avoidable civilian casualties in future operations.
He also called for a balanced approach that supports the armed forces while demanding accountability and improved capacity. Obi urged the federal government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through decisive leadership and sustained investment.
The airstrike, which reportedly occurred in a community between Bibio and Dedam during a weekly market gathering, has intensified concerns over civilian safety in conflict-prone regions, with growing calls for a review of military engagement strategies.