Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno-Yobe border that killed a lot of traders, describing it as a devastating failure.

In a post on his official X account on Sunday, Atiku contrasted the incident with a US military effort involving over 150 aircraft and hundreds of millions spent to rescue one pilot, questioning the relative value placed on Nigerian lives and calling for accountability to prevent recurrence.

The former VP described the incident as a tragic failure where civilians became collateral damage during an operation targeting Boko Haram insurgents.

“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” he stated.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?

“Just a few days ago,  the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.”

Atiku extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and affected communities, while stressing that protecting citizens from both terrorists and flawed security operations is the essence of national security.