Story perspectives

Amnesty: Airstrike Kills 100 Civilians, Military Denies Casualties

5/13/2026

Summary

Amnesty Accuses Military

Amnesty International said at least 100 civilians were killed when the Nigerian military air-striked the Tumfa market in Zurmi district, Zamfara State, on Sunday.
Red Cross official Ibrahim Bello Garba confirmed civilian deaths, while Major General Michael Onoja, the military spokesperson, denied any civilian casualties and said no evidence exists.
Amnesty International demanded an immediate, independent investigation, labeling the strike unlawful and recalling a similar April airstrike that reportedly killed about 200 civilians.

Summary

Air Force Mishandles

Analysts say poor coordination between the Nigerian Air Force and ground units caused repeated civilian deaths in the Tumfa strike.
The Tumfa strike follows a separate accidental airstrike last month that killed about 100 people, indicating a pattern of mishandled operations.
Human-rights observers warn that without command-and-control reforms, future air operations in Zamfara risk further civilian harm, even as the armed forces deny casualties.

Summary

Air Force Strikes

Nigerian Air Force Alpha jets carried out the strike.
Garba Ibrahim Mashema said many bodies were blown beyond recognition, making casualty counts difficult.
Aliyu Musa said many of the dead were young girls selling millet porridge and tofu.
The community organized a single mass burial for approximately 80 victims.
Amnesty International condemned the attack and called for an independent probe after patients were taken to Zurmi, Shinkafi and Gusau hospitals.

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Amnesty Accuses Military

Amnesty International said at least 100 civilians were killed when the Nigerian military air-striked the Tumfa market in Zurmi district, Zamfara State, on Sunday.
Red Cross official Ibrahim Bello Garba confirmed civilian deaths, while Major General Michael Onoja, the military spokesperson, denied any civilian casualties and said no evidence exists.
Amnesty International demanded an immediate, independent investigation, labeling the strike unlawful and recalling a similar April airstrike that reportedly killed about 200 civilians.

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