Nigeria’s military on Tuesday denied allegations that an airstrike killed about 100 civilians at a market in Tumfa, Zamfara State, over the week-end.
Rights group Amnesty International claimed the strike on Sunday hit a crowded market, resulting in heavy civilian casualties. The organization said many of those killed were women and children, with Amnesty Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, stating that around 80 people had already been buried in one village alone.
A Red Cross official in Zamfara, Ibrahim Bello Garba, also confirmed to the Associated Press that multiple civilians were killed in the strike. However, the Nigerian military acknowledged carrying out an airstrike in the area but insisted there was no verified evidence of civilian deaths. Military spokesperson Michael Onoja said civilians were not targeted and that efforts were being made to avoid non-combatant casualties.
The allegation adds to growing concerns over accidental military bombings in Nigeria’s fight against armed groups, including Boko Haram. Last month, another accidental Nigerian air force strike reportedly killed 100 people.
Security analysts have blamed repeated incidents on poor coordination between air and ground Forces, while officials maintain that operations are aimed at armed groups who often hide among civilians.