Nigerian Military Airstrikes Kill More Than 100 at Northwest Market
Airstrikes hit a crowded market in Zamfara state on Sunday, killing more than 100 people and wounding dozens, a rights group reported. The incident is the latest in a series of military strikes on markets and villages in northern and central Nigeria. The military has previously described similar operations as targeting bandits or terrorist logistics hubs.
denverpost.comNigeria’s military carried out airstrikes on a crowded village market in Zamfara state on Sunday, killing more than 100 people and wounding dozens, a rights group reported Tuesday. The strikes targeted Tumfa market when it was full of people and occurred without warning, the group said in a statement.
The scene was chaotic with screams, blood and bodies all over the ground, according to the statement. The incident appears to be the latest in a series of military attacks on markets and villages in northern and central Nigeria. The region has seen violence in recent months, much of it involving clashes between the military and terrorist groups.
Last month dozens of people were killed in airstrikes on Jilli, a village in the northeast. A military spokesman said the target was a terrorist logistics hub in an abandoned village, but residents described it as a thriving market used by many civilians.
Over the weekend the Nigerian military acknowledged carrying out airstrikes on villages in Shiroro in Niger state. The military said it had killed about 70 people who it described as bandits. The rights group said at least six civilians were among the dead and posted pictures of injured children.
A military spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the strikes on the Tumfa market. The rights group said military aircraft bombed the market when it was full of people and without warning.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-05-11
Rights group reports more than 100 killed in Sunday airstrikes on Tumfa market.
1 sourceThe New York Times - 2026-05-10
Nigerian military acknowledges weekend airstrikes in Shiroro, claims 70 bandits killed.
1 sourceThe New York Times - 2026-05-09
Airstrikes conducted on villages in Shiroro area of Niger state.
1 sourceThe New York Times - 2026-04-12
Dozens killed in airstrikes on Jilli village in northeast Nigeria.
1 sourceThe New York Times - 2026-05-11
Airstrikes hit crowded Tumfa market in Zamfara state, killing over 100.
1 sourceThe New York Times
Potential Impact
- 01
Civilian casualty reports could affect trust between northern Nigerian communities and the military.
- 02
Local residents in Zamfara and neighboring states may avoid public markets due to safety fears.
- 03
Rights group statements could prompt calls for independent investigation into the airstrikes.
- 04
Military may face increased scrutiny over targeting methods in counter-terrorism operations.
Transparency Panel
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