Nigeria: Dozens of civilians killed in army airstrike in Zamfara state

A market hit at the height of its affluence

The strike hit the Tumfa market, located in the Zurmi region of Zamfara state, on Sunday. According to a local community leader, at least 72 bodies were found after the attack, with several victims unrecognizable due to the explosions. Dozens of injured people were transported to hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi. A resident said for his part that the toll could reach 117 dead and more than 80 injured.

Amnesty reports more than 100 civilians killed

The Nigerian branch of Amnesty International denounced the death of “at least 100 civilians” in this military operation. Residents recognize, however, that the Tumfa market is located in an area under the influence of armed criminal groups, locally called “bandits”. These groups regularly carry out attacks on villages, kidnappings for ransom and looting in northern Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Nigeria: around forty Fulani herders killed during an armed operation, high tensions in the center

Army says it targeted ‘terrorists’

In a statement, the Nigerian army said it had acted on intelligence reporting a meeting of “notorious terrorist leaders and commanders” in the village of Tumfa. According to the army, the airstrike “successfully destroyed” a structure used as a gathering point by these armed groups. Military authorities did not immediately react to accusations of heavy civilian casualties.

A series of deadly strikes in Nigeria

The same day, at least 13 civilians were also killed in another airstrike carried out by the Nigerian army in the north-central state of Niger, according to residents. The airstrikes against jihadist or criminal groups have has already caused the deaths of many civilians in Nigeria in recent years. Last April, an air attack by the army left at least 56 dead in a very busy market in Borno state, in the northeast of the country. An investigation was then announced by the authorities.