Tension has engulfed the Tumfa community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State following an alleged military airstrike that reportedly killed about 100 people at a local market.
A source who spoke to AIT on condition of anonymity for security reasons alleged that the airstrike occurred during the weekly Tumfa market on Sunday, leaving about 100 persons dead and over 30 others injured.
According to the source, many of the victims were teenage girls engaged in petty trading and hawking activities at the market.
The source explained that the incident happened around noon when an aircraft was first seen conducting surveillance over the area before returning around 2 p.m. to launch what he described as multiple airstrikes.
He added that those injured are currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Shinkafi.
Meanwhile, Operation FANSAN YAMMA has confirmed carrying out an airstrike in the area.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the military said the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the gathering of notorious terrorist leaders and commanders from across the West African sub-region.
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According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists had assembled at a concealed location on the outskirts of Tumfa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military said the suspected hideout was located within a densely vegetated area shielded by thick mango trees along a stream channel.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA further stated that the gathering was allegedly aimed at coordinating attacks against innocent communities across the North West region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the air component, working in close collaboration with ground forces, carried out precision airstrikes on the identified location, destroying structures believed to be used as terrorist meeting points and neutralising several suspects, while others reportedly fled the area.
Authorities are yet to provide further details on the operation or respond to allegations of civilian casualties.
However, residents insist the airstrike hit the busy Tumfa village market, with many civilians, including teenage hawkers, among the victims.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
