Another resident stated that Tumfa market was dominated and controlled by armed groups, adding that there was a shop in the market dedicated to the sale of firearms and weapons.
A military airstrike on Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area in Nigeria’s North West state of Zamfara has claimed the lives of at least 117 people.
The aerial offensive happened on Sunday the same day another Nigerian Air Force operation targeting bandits in Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, reportedly claimed the lives of 17 civilians.
Even though it happened on the same day as the Niger airstrike, Information regarding the Tumfa incident filtered through to the public late on Monday as a result of the deplorable communication infrastructure in the area.
According to reports, Tumfa and several neighbouring communities in Zurmi LGA are said to be under the rule of violent armed groups, with locals forced to live with the bandits who often act as makeshift government and de facto authorities.
A community leader, Garba Ibrahim Mashema, said it was difficult to ascertain the exact number of casualties from the Sunday military airstrike.
“The actual death toll is hard to establish at the moment. Everybody — residents and bandits — go to the market. People are at the mercy of the bandits. There is nothing they can do,” he told AFP.
Aliyu Musa, a resident of Zurmi town, about seven kilometres from Tumfa, claimed that many of those killed were traders and food vendors, including young girls selling millet porridge and tofu. He estimated the death toll at 117.
“To be frank, Tumfa market is under the control of bandits. It is their stronghold. Anyone who goes there knows he is entering their territory,” Musa said.
A relative of some of the victims, who spoke in confidence with newsmen, said the military fighter jet initially carried out a reconnaissance over the market before returning hours later to bomb it
He disclosed that there is a lack of government authority in many communities and villages within the LGA, including Fakai, Mayasa, and Mashema, which makes it easy for the bandits to assume control, stating that most parts of Zurmi Local Government are under their control.
“There is no legal authority in villages like Fakai, Mayasa and Mashema. The bandits act as judges and police” he said, “We live together with them and they move around with weapons openly.”
He alleged that the military may have identified the presence of weapons in the market during the surveillance operation, which possibly informed the airstrike.
“You cannot travel five kilometres outside Zurmi town without encountering bandits,” he said.
He added that several injured victims were referred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, while others were receiving treatment at Zurmi General Hospital.
Another resident stated that Tumfa market was dominated and controlled by armed groups, adding that there was a shop in the market dedicated to the sale of firearms and weapons.
“Frankly speaking, the market belongs to the bandits. It is located deep inside the forest and there is even a shop known as ‘Bala Shop’ where arms and ammunition are allegedly sold,” he claimed.
He, however, noted that the military aerial bombardment was justified, insisting that the airstrike was not carried out recklessly.
“The fighter jet conducted aerial surveillance over the market and returned about 40 minutes later before carrying out the bombardment,” he said.
“As of last night, 117 people had reportedly died. About 40 injured victims were taken to Shinkafi Hospital, while another 40 were moved to Zurmi Hospital. Two ambulances and a Toyota Hilux loaded with victims arrived from the area,” he added.
