“Explosion Rocks Talata Mafara Market, Over 50 Injured”

Over 50 traders and customers were severely injured in a devastating explosion that rocked the Talata Mafara Market in Zamfara. The incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday, in the market’s notorious section where locally made guns are sold and repaired.

The blast, believed to have originated from the sale and repair of gunpowder at a blacksmith’s stall, sent shockwaves through the area, causing panic and chaos. Mal Rilwanu Mafara, a local resident, confirmed the explosion took place near the gunsmith’s spot, where both guns and gunpowder are sold.

Victims were rushed to the Talata Mafara General Hospital, with the most critically injured being transferred to Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital in Sokoto. Local authorities, including the Emir of Talata Mafara, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Barmo, and council chairman Yahaya Abubakar Yari, visited the hospital to offer condolences to those affected, many of whom are now in stable condition.

Expressing his sorrow, Chairman Yari issued a directive to halt the sale and repair of locally fabricated guns at the market, a step towards preventing future tragedies. Meanwhile, Zamfara’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dalijan, confirmed the number of injured and stated that the Anti-Bomb Squad has been deployed to investigate the incident and restore order.