4 Dead and Over 50 Injured in Gunpowder Explosion at Zamfara Market
More than 50 people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday when a gunpowder explosion rocked a market in Talata-Mafara town, Zamfara State.
Victims Evacuated to Sokoto for Treatment
Sources confirmed that the injured were transferred to the Usman Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, due to the severity of their injuries.
A medical worker at the General Hospital, Talata-Mafara, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the hospital lacked the necessary facilities to treat the victims.
“The patients had to be evacuated to Sokoto because our hospital does not have the required equipment to handle such serious injuries,” he explained.
Eyewitness Account: How the Explosion Happened
A local resident, Aminu Mohammed, said the incident occurred in the afternoon while the market was bustling with activity.
“A locally made gun exploded while a vigilante member was purchasing gunpowder, triggering a massive fire in the market,” he said.
He further explained that the explosion spread rapidly, injuring over 50 people, while many others sustained wounds while trying to escape.
Security and Emergency Response
Mohammed noted that the fire could have engulfed the entire market if not for the swift intervention of security personnel and firefighters.
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.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, Yahaya Yari, confirmed that he was in Sokoto with the victims for medical care but declined further comments.
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.
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