At least 100 civilians were killed in a Nigerian military airstrike that struck a crowded market in Zamfara State, according to Amnesty International.

The strike hit the Tumfa market in the Zurmi district on Sunday. Amnesty said many of the victims were women and girls, and dozens of injured people were taken to hospitals in Zurmi and nearby Shinkafi.

Witnesses reported seeing military aircraft circling the area around midday before returning approximately two hours later and bombing the market while it was full of traders and residents.

Amnesty International described the attack as unlawful and called for an immediate and independent investigation, saying the incident reflects a growing pattern of civilians being caught in violence involving both armed groups and government forces.

The Nigerian military did not immediately comment on the allegations. It has previously stated that its airstrikes are based on intelligence and are intended to target militant groups rather than civilians.

The incident follows another deadly airstrike in April that reportedly killed around 200 civilians at a market in northeastern Nigeria.

Nigeria’s armed forces are engaged in ongoing operations against armed groups in the northwest and Islamist insurgents in the northeast.