‘At least 72 killed’ as military bombs Zamfara market

‘At least 72 killed’ as military bombs Zamfara market

 No fewer than 72 people were reportedly killed after a
military air strike hit Tumfa market in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara state on Sunday,
according to AFP.

 

Citing a community leader, AFP reports that 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,” Garba Ibrahim Mashema told AFP.

 

A local source told the news wire service that the Tumfa
market is controlled by bandits and that some of those killed were “young girls
selling millet porridge and tofu in the market”.

 

 

Amnesty International said the death toll has risen to more
than 100 people. It added that dozens of injured victims were receiving
treatment following the air strike.

 

The organisation said one of the affected villages buried 80
people in one fell swoop.

 

“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 a 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 Specialists Hospital Gusau.”

 

AFP said the Zamfara missile launch occurred on the same day
another Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation targeting bandits in Niger state
killed 13 civilians.

 

Michael Onoja, defence headquarters spokesperson, told AFP
that reports of civilian casualties in Zamfara were “not true”.

 

The military also denied reports that innocent civilians
were killed in the Niger state air strike, although it said the incident would
be investigated.

Source: ‘At least 72 killed’ as military bombs Zamfara market

 - NigerianEye

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