A devastating explosion rocked the Talata Mafara Central Market in Zamfara State on Tuesday, claiming at least four lives and leaving 50 others injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The tragic incident, which triggered widespread panic, also resulted in massive destruction of shops and stalls, leaving traders counting their losses.
Confirming the fatalities, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated on Wednesday that a rescue team was swiftly deployed from the agency’s Sokoto Operations Office to assist in emergency efforts.
Preliminary findings revealed that the explosion was ignited by a fire outbreak, with unverified reports suggesting it was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette butt that ignited highly flammable materials within the market.
Mrs. Umar further disclosed that 46 critically injured victims were evacuated to the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where they are receiving specialized care in the orthopedics, surgery, ICU burn unit, and ENT departments.
While initial reports suggested a fire outbreak, multiple eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion originated from a shop selling locally fabricated firearms.
A local source told SaharaReporters that the blast sent shockwaves through the market, causing traders and shoppers to flee in terror.
“There was a sudden explosion at a shop dealing in locally made weapons. The impact was devastating, with people collapsing in pools of blood while others ran for safety,” the eyewitness recounted.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows at least 20 individuals, mostly traders, severely injured in the aftermath of the explosion.
Zamfara State has long been a hotspot for rising insecurity, plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence. The circulation of locally made firearms—often used for self-defense—has surged in recent years, raising concerns over unregulated arms sales in local markets.
The explosion underscores the dangers of illicit arms trading, as authorities continue investigations to determine the exact cause of the tragic blast.
Meanwhile, NEMA has assured continued collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant bodies to support the victims and restore normalcy in the affected market area.
Authorities are urging traders and residents to exercise caution as security operatives work to prevent a recurrence of such deadly incidents.
PIONEER NEWS 