News
Over 100 reported killed in Zamfara market airstrike
A military airstrike on Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State has reportedly killed at least 117 people and injured several others. Residents said the casualties included both bandits and civilians.
The aerial bombardment occurred on Sunday, the same day another Nigerian Air Force operation targeting bandits struck Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, where 13 civilians were reportedly killed.
Reports of the Tumfa incident emerged late on Monday due to poor communication networks in the area.
Tumfa and several neighbouring communities in Zurmi LGA are said to be under the control of armed groups, with locals forced to coexist with the bandits who often act as de facto authorities.
A community leader, Garba Ibrahim Mashema, said the exact number of casualties from the Sunday military airstrike on the market remains difficult to determine.
“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 requested anonymity for security reasons, said the military fighter jet initially conducted surveillance over the market before returning hours later to launch the bombardment.
He also said several communities in the LGA, including Fakai, Mayasa and Mashema, are effectively under the control of bandits due to the absence of government authority.
“There is no legal authority in villages like Fakai, Mayasa and Mashema. The bandits act as judges and police,” he said.
He alleged that the military may have identified the presence of weapons in the market during the surveillance operation, which possibly informed the airstrike.
“We live together with them and they move around with weapons openly,” he added.
The source further disclosed that bandits recently imposed a levy of N70 million on a community after one of the villagers they allegedly sent to Nasarawa State to procure ammunition was arrested by security operatives.
“They sent him to Nasarawa to collect ammunition hidden inside containers of palm oil, but security agents arrested him. The bandits then forced his relatives to pay N70 million, without caring about the fate of the man they implicated,” he said.
He maintained that most parts of Zurmi Local Government Area remain under the dominance of armed groups.
“You cannot travel five kilometres outside Zurmi town without encountering bandits,” he said.
The resident also accused the bandits of repeatedly destroying farmlands by grazing cattle on crops.
“For years, they only allow us to harvest millet. Whenever we plant guinea corn or beans, they drive their cattle into the farms and destroy them,” 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 described Tumfa market as a notorious enclave controlled by armed groups.
“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, defended the military operation, 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.
‘Airstrike killed many bandits too’
A source in the area said the military airstrike also succeeded in killing an unspecified number of bandits, although he acknowledged that the operation resulted in significant civilian casualties as well.
“But let me tell you the truth, the airstrike killed an unspecified number of bandits that nobody can accurately count, which is a major success. However, innocent citizens also suffered,” he said.
The military denied that civilians were killed in the Zamfara market airstrike. Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Michael Onoja, told AFP that the reports of civilian deaths in Zamfara were “not true”.
Zurmi Local Government Area has suffered repeated attacks by armed groups over the years, resulting in the killing of residents and security personnel, as well as mass kidnappings.
Several communities in the area are believed to be under the influence or direct control of bandits.
Concerns over the situation are not new. In April 2019, when military airstrikes targeted suspected bandits’ camps in Dumburum village in Zurmi LGA, traditional rulers alleged that innocent civilians were affected.
Former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, had at the time described Dumburum as a long-standing hideout for criminal groups.
Amnesty Int’l demands probe
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to investigate the military airstrike, which it said killed over 100 civilians at Tumfa market.
In a statement, the organisation said one of the affected villages buried 80 people in one fell swoop.
“The authorities must investigate these deadly strikes, and put an end to reckless attacks on civilians.
“In parts of the north facing conflicts, civilians have borne the brunt of suffering far too often. These horrific deaths must not be overlooked. The devastated survivors and their families deserve truth, justice and reparations.
“Military aircraft bombed the weekly market, at a point it was full of people and without warning. The scene was chaotic.
“There were screams, blood, and bodies all over the ground. Those who survived with injuries were evacuated to general hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafa, while those severely injured are receiving treatment at Yariman Bakura Specialists Hospital Gusau,” Amnesty International said.
DHQ dismisses reports
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has, however, dismissed the alleged civilian casualties during the air-land operation, describing circulating casualty figures as unverified.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, said troops of Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted the operation on, Sunday, May 10.
He said the strike targeted a high-level meeting of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.
According to him, credible multi-source intelligence confirmed the location as a coordination point for planned attacks across communities.
He explained that the air interdiction strike prevented immediate and precise casualty enumeration on the ground.
“The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments.
“Our official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised after post-strike battle damage assessment,” he said.
Onoja also rejected allegations of civilian casualties, saying no credible evidence had emerged from official assessments.
“The target remained a confirmed terrorist structure occupied by armed non-state actors threatening civilian lives.
“Those making such claims should rely on verified evidence, not social media reports or adversarial sources,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces operated under strict rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” he stressed.
He said ground troops continued clearance operations while the public was urged to follow official communication channels.
Onoja assured that any verified civilian casualty would be transparently communicated under established military protocols.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and civilian protection throughout ongoing operations.
…Demands probe into alleged rights abuse
Amnesty International has re-launched two reports documenting alleged human rights violations in the South-East and called on governments and security agencies to end impunity, unlawful abductions, torture and killings.
The reports, “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria” and “Tiger Base of Atrocities: Human Rights Violations by Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri,” were unveiled in Umuahia on Wednesday.
Benedicta Ofili, Finance and Office Manager at Amnesty International Nigeria, said the organisation documented at least 1,844 deaths between 2021 and mid-2023 involving non-state armed groups, state-backed outfits and security operations.
Ofili also highlighted allegations of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, extortion and deaths in custody, particularly at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit popularly known as Tiger Base in Imo State.
She said Amnesty interviewed 23 former detainees, including 14 women, and recorded cases of torture and poor detention conditions.
Three of those interviewed reportedly died after detention.
The organisation said insecurity has caused displacement, disruption of education, loss of livelihoods and restrictions on movement due to sit-at-home orders.
Amnesty demanded independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, reparations for victims, and stronger accountability by state and federal authorities.
The presentation was followed by emotional testimonies from tearful relatives of persons allegedly abducted by security operatives as they chorused, “we don’t know where they are.”
Miriam Onyema, weeping, said her husband, Kingsley Chinedu, was arrested on April 25, 2021, at Hospital Junction, Imo State, and labelled an IPOB member. She said all efforts to locate him failed.
Esther Chinedu told the gathering that her husband, Pastor Godspower Chinedu, was arrested in 2022 and has not been seen since despite repeated searches at police detention facilities.
Caroline Chukwuma said her husband, Chukwuma Nwokike, was allegedly abducted in 2021 at St. Paul Junction, Aba, and detained at CPS Aba. She said lawyers were denied access before he was allegedly transferred to Abuja.
Chinwendu Chidiebere said her husband, Chidiebere Ekwe, was arrested at his workshop in Aba on June 22, 2021, and taken to CPS Aba where the family was denied access.
Nicolas Ejekwu, an elderly man, tearfully recounted how soldiers arrested his sons, Obinna and Onyebuchi, at home. He said he was later told they were tortured and killed, with their bodies deposited at FMC Umuahia mortuary.
He added that over 50 bodies of youths allegedly killed by security agencies on suspicion of IPOB membership were found at the mortuary.
Cecilia Nmaoche said her son, Christian Ifeanyi, was allegedly abducted in 2022 and has not been seen or heard from since.
The families appealed to Amnesty and the government to help locate their loved ones and ensure those arrested are charged to court instead of being detained indefinitely.
The Attorney General of Abia, represented by Chinenye Onyemanonu, said the state has zero tolerance for abuses and forwards complaints to the Citizens’ Rights Department.
He cited a case where a family detained for six months was rescued.
Human rights activist Samuel Agwu urged rights groups to ensure victims get justice and legal representation, calling for an end to what he described as a culture of impunity in the region. (Arise News)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released a list of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The list was released in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), on Saturday.
He noted that members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (has been) constituted; Abdulaziz Yari to serve as DG, Uzodimma secretary President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.
According to the statement, “The Chairman of the Campaign Council, President Tinubu, will work with a body of advisers comprising Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa.’
The statement further read: “Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State have been assigned as Deputy Directors-General for the campaign in the South and the North. They will work with Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Jibril Barau in the two zones.
“Senator Adams Oshiomhole will serve as Deputy Director-General in charge of mobilisation, while the President’s Chief of Staff will serve as Deputy Director-General for Administration.
“James Abiodun Faleke, who played a pivotal role in the 2022/2023 campaign, has returned as Deputy Director-General for Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring.
“Faleke will work with zonal directors, with Senator Olushola Adeyeye in the South-West, Dr Ngozi Olejeme in the South-South, Senator Uche Ekwunife in the South-East, Muntaqha Rabe in the North-West, Ahmed Muhammed Ketso in the North-Central, and Senator Sani Danladi in the North-East.
“Ms Stella Okotete, Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat and Audu Maikori will serve as Secretaries of the Election Planning Directorate.
“Muiz Adeyemi Banire will lead the Legal Directorate as Director, with Dr Liman Hassan and Babatunde Ogala as deputies. Other members are Prince Lateef Fagbemi, former Governor Ibrahim Shema, Worgu Boms and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh.
“The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, will serve as the Coordinating Director for Media and Strategic Communication, along with Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Lanre Issa-Onilu.
“The Media Directorate also includes Tunde Rahman, Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Felix Morka, who have been assigned as Coordinating Deputy Directors.
“As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation. Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State was thrown into deep mourning on Friday following the sudden death of its local government chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon.
Solomon reportedly slumped during a peace and reconciliation meeting held at the Iyara Town Hall, the administrative headquarters of the local government area.
According to participants, the meeting was in progress when the late party leader suddenly collapsed, causing instant confusion, panic, and devastation among the political leaders and delegates in attendance.
Efforts were made immediately to resuscitate him before he was rushed to a medical facility in neighboring Kabba.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
Reports said the peace meeting was convened by Funsho Olumoko, a former chairman of the Ijumu Local Government Area who was recently tasked by the Ijumu Consultative Forum to harmonize political interests within the region.
The session aimed to reconcile factions, resolve internal disputes, and foster unity among stakeholders ahead of future political engagements.
The peace initiative followed an earlier meeting in Iyara where APC stakeholders endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for second terms.
However, the previous initiative had experienced visible friction over local government leadership, culminating in a walkout by the deceased and several top government functionaries.
Friday’s follow-up meeting was meant to bridge those divides, bringing together selected political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, and government appointees representing all 15 wards of Ijumu LGA.
However, the sudden passing of Solomon has delivered a major shockwave to the political landscape in Kogi West, casting a heavy shadow over ongoing efforts to unify party ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As of press time, the exact cause of his death has not been officially disclosed, just as no formal statement has been received from the APC state executive and local authorities on the development ..
-
News15 hours agoAPC Chairman slumps, dies during reconciliation meeting in Kogi
-
News21 hours ago
Enugu ADC chairman allegedly murdered in his village
-
News2 days ago
Alleged Drug Trafficking: Tinubu seeks 10-day delay in release of records
-
News21 hours ago
2027: Tinubu’ll relocate Nigeria’s capital to Lagos if he wins – Primate Ayodele
-
News16 hours ago
Another fake agency uncovered, FG suspends three perm secs, orders arrest
-
News2 days ago
40 feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto
-
Business2 days ago
AFRAA welcomes Enugu Air, strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation growth
-
News2 days ago
Plateau Massacre: Save Nigeria Group USA appeals to Trump, US Congress for decisive action
