Over 72 people were reportedly killed after a military air strike hit Tumfa market in Zurmi Local government area of Zamfara State on Sunday.
According to AFP which cited a community leader, some of the victims’ bodies were “blown beyond recognition.”
“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,” AFP quoted Garba Ibrahim Mashema as saying.
Tumfa market is reportedly controlled by bandits and some of those killed were young girls selling millet porridge and tofu in the market.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has put the death toll at over 100, stating that one affected village buried 80 people at once.
Though, the military has denied reports of civilian casualties, describing them as “not true.”
It added that dozens of injured victims were receiving treatment following the air strike.
“The authorities must investigate these deadly strikes, and put an end to reckless attacks on civilians,” Amnesty International said.
“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.
“Military aircrafts bombed the weekly market, at one point, it was full of people and without warning. The scene was chaotic. There were screams, blood, and bodies all over the ground. Those who survived with injuries were evacuated to general hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafa, while those severely injured are receiving treatment at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital Gusau.”
