Zamfara Market Explosion: NEMA Confirms 4 Dead, 50 Injured As Fire Ravages Stalls

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that four people lost their lives, while 50 others sustained injuries in a devastating explosion at the Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said a rescue team was swiftly deployed from the agency’s Sokoto Operations Office to assist in the emergency response.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion, caused by a fire outbreak, led to extensive destruction of shops and stalls in the market.

According to Zubaida, an eyewitnesses reported that the fire was ignited by a cigarette butt carelessly discarded, which set off highly combustible materials.

Among the injured, 46 victims were transferred to Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where they are receiving treatment in various units, including orthopedics, surgery, ICU burn unit, and ENT departments.

NEMA assured that it is collaborating with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to support victims and mitigate further casualties.

Zubaida added that emergency response efforts are ongoing to assist affected traders and restore normalcy in the area.

SaharaReporters previously reported that an explosion at a shop selling locally made firearms at the Talata Mafara Central Market in Zamfara State claimed four lives and injured at least 20 others on Tuesday.

A resident of the community confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters over the phone.

According to the source, the unexpected blast triggered panic in the bustling market, causing traders and shoppers to flee for safety.

"Today at Talata Mafara Central Market, there was an explosion, killing several people and injuring many others," the source said.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows at least 20 people, mostly traders, severely injured following the explosion at the Talata Mafara Central Market.

The exact cause of the blast has not yet been confirmed by the state government or the Nigeria Police Force.

However, an eyewitness told SaharaReporters that the explosion originated from a shop selling locally fabricated guns, a common trade in some parts of northern Nigeria.

Zamfara State, which has been grappling with rising insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings, has seen an increase in the circulation of locally made firearms, often used for self-defence.

The incident highlights the risks associated with the unregulated sale of arms in local markets.