Borno airstrike survivors recount ordeal, claim to be animal traders
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Survivors of a recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State stated they were legitimate animal traders when the incident occurred, describing the attack as sudden and devastating. The victims spoke on Sunday after an airstrike reportedly struck the weekly market in Jilli village, along the border between Borno and Yobe State, on April 11, 2026. The operation involved the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army. Reports indicated that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed in the attack. One survivor, Abu Goni, said the incident happened shortly after Maghrib prayers while traders were still in the market. He denied knowledge of any insurgent activities linked to the market, insisting it was a normal trading point for livestock. Another survivor, Bulama Balo, claimed multiple jets were involved, with three aircraft taking turns during the strike. Following the incident, Balo said survivors fled to the Maigumeri community for safety before seeking medical attention. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, stated that the Jilli market had been closed five years ago and described the area as a former hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers. Governor Zulum said he had been briefed on the airstrike and was in consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities.
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WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley has reiterated his stance against fighting stablemate Moses Itauma, citing their shared trainer and gym as reasons for the impossibility of such a bout at this stage of their careers. Wardley, who is set to defend his WBO title against Daniel Dubois this summer, stated that his position remains unchanged despite indications from the WBO's Gustavo Olivieri that Itauma could be designated as the mandatory challenger. Wardley emphasized that a fight with Itauma is "much further down the road" due to their current training arrangements. Both fighters are trained by Ben Davison and regularly spar together. Wardley's ambitions are currently focused on facing top names in the division like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua. Olivieri had previously mentioned that if the WBO committee votes, Itauma would be designated as the mandatory challenger, with the enforcement timeline yet to be determined, potentially immediately after the Wardley-Dubois fight or later. Itauma acknowledged the complications but left the door open for a potential fight, especially if Dubois wins. Itauma is preparing for a headline appearance at the O2 Arena on July 25, with his promoter Frank Warren promising a significant test. Itauma's recent victory over Jermaine Franklin, whom neither Anthony Joshua nor Dillian Whyte had stopped, drew considerable attention.
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