Two Dead, Many Injured As Explosion Rocks Zamfara Market

Two people were killed and many others injured in a gunpowder explosion at the Talata Mafara Market in Zamfara State.

The victims, Muhammad Lawal Matusgi and Sani Adamu Kanarkalgo, were among those transferred to Sokoto after sustaining severe burns in the blast, which occurred on Tuesday.

The explosion, which happened around 11:30 a.m., injured over 50 traders and shoppers in the section of the market where locally made guns are sold.

It was gathered that the two victims died while undergoing treatment at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.

A healthcare worker at Talata Mafara General Hospital, speaking anonymously, revealed that the facility was already overwhelmed before the incident.

“We received many victims, some with first-degree burns, but due to a lack of space and resources, we had to refer several others to Sokoto,” he said.

Red Cross Divisional Secretary, Mu’azu Yusuf confirmed the incident, stating that former Governor Abdulazeez Yari provided vehicles to transport the injured to Sokoto for specialized care.

A local government official, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the explosion as a major disaster, noting that other sections of the market were also affected.

He said, “This is the biggest market in our area, and many people had raised concerns about the presence of Dane gun dealers, but nothing was done by the authorities.

“Just last year, a young girl was killed due to an accidental discharge in the same section of the market. We are calling on the government to relocate the gun sellers to a safer place outside town.”

However, he opposed a complete ban on the sale of locally made guns, arguing that villagers rely on them for protection against bandits.

Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the explosion but said he was yet to receive full details.

“I just returned from Abuja, but I will get the full briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Talata Mafara and provide an update,” he stated.

KanyiDaily had also reported how a petrol tanker explosion claimed the lives of more than 15 people in Ore, the capital of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state.