Over 70 feared dead as bombs hit Zamfara market

At least 72 people were reportedly killed after a military air strike struck Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Sunday

This was as rights groups warned that the death toll could be significantly higher as rescue efforts continue.

According to AFP, Garba Mashema, a community leader, said many of the victims were civilians and that several bodies were “blown beyond recognition” following the bombardment.

“The actual death toll is hard to establish at the moment. Everybody, residents and bandits, goes to the market. People are at the mercy of the bandits. There is nothing they can do,” Mashema told AFP.

Local sources quoted by the news agency said Tumfa market is located in an area heavily controlled by armed bandits and that several traders caught in the strike were women and young girls selling local food items, including millet porridge and tofu.

However, rights organisation Amnesty International claimed the casualty figure had risen to more than 100, adding that dozens of injured victims were receiving treatment in hospitals across the state.

The organisation disclosed that one of the affected communities buried about 80 victims in a mass burial following the attack.

In a statement condemning the incident, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the air strike and ensure accountability for any wrongful deaths.

“The authorities must investigate these deadly strikes, and put an end to reckless attacks on civilians.

“In parts of the north facing conflicts, civilians have borne the brunt of suffering far too often. These horrific deaths must not be overlooked. The devastated survivors and their families deserve truth, justice and reparations”, the organisation said.

The rights group described the aftermath of the bombardment as chaotic, alleging that military aircraft struck the busy weekly market without prior warning at a time when it was crowded with traders and residents.

“There were screams, blood, and bodies all over the ground,” Amnesty International said, adding that survivors with injuries were evacuated to general hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while critically wounded victims were taken to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for treatment.

AFP reported that the Zamfara strike occurred on the same day another Nigerian Air Force operation targeting bandits in Niger State allegedly killed 13 civilians.

Reacting to the reports, Michael Onoja,
Director, Defence Military Operations, dismissed claims of civilian casualties in the Zamfara operation, insisting that the reports were “not true”.

The military also denied allegations that innocent civilians were killed during the Niger State air operation, although authorities said the incident would be investigated.