By Faith Chondol
At least 100 civilians were reportedly killed and dozens injured after a military air strike hit Tumfa weekly market in Zamfara State on Sunday, prompting Amnesty International to demand an independent investigation into the deadly attack.
Community leaders and families of victims said one affected village buried at least 80 people in a mass funeral following the strike, which occurred while the market was crowded with traders and residents.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation after military aircraft allegedly bombed the market without warning.
“There were screams, blood, and bodies everywhere,” a survivor said, recalling the aftermath of the attack.
Dozens of injured victims are currently receiving treatment at general hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while those with severe injuries have been transferred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau.
Amnesty International condemned the strike and accused authorities of failing to ensure accountability for repeated civilian casualties caused by military air operations.
The organisation said the absence of transparent and independent investigations into such incidents has continued to erode public trust while denying victims and their families justice and compensation.
“The authorities must investigate these deadly strikes and put an end to reckless attacks on civilians,” Amnesty said. “The devastated survivors and their families deserve truth, justice, and reparations.”
The Nigerian military had yet to officially comment on the incident as of press time.
The latest tragedy adds to growing concerns over civilian protection in military operations across northern Nigeria, where communities caught in armed conflict continue to suffer heavy losses.
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