Over 50 Injured in Zamfara Market Explosion
At least 50 people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday, February 19, 2025, after a gunpowder explosion rocked Talata-Mafara Market in Zamfara State.
The injured victims have been transferred to Usman Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, for treatment.
How the Incident Happened
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was triggered when a locally made gun malfunctioned, igniting a nearby powdered substance used by local gun owners.
“A member of a vigilante group came to buy gunpowder, but his firearm unexpectedly went off, hitting the substance and causing an explosion. The entire area went up in flames,” said Aminu Mohammed, a resident of Talata-Mafara.
Victims Rushed to Hospital
A medical worker at General Hospital Talata-Mafara confirmed that the victims sustained severe injuries but were transferred to Sokoto due to the lack of medical facilities in the local hospital.
“They needed advanced medical care, so we had to evacuate them to Usman Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital,” the source stated.
Market Saved from Total Destruction
While the explosion caused panic, security personnel and firefighters prevented further damage.
“The fire could have engulfed the entire market if not for their quick intervention,” Mohammed added.
Authorities Respond
The Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, traveled to Sokoto with the victims but declined to comment further on the incident.
Efforts to reach Zamfara State Police spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Stay tuned for updates on NIGPOST as the investigation unfolds.
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