NEMA Confirms Four Dead, 50 Injured in Zamfara Market Explosion

Four people have been confirmed dead, and 50 others injured following an explosion at the Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State on Tuesday.

Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, disclosed the details on Wednesday, revealing that a rescue team was swiftly deployed from its Sokoto Operations Office to assist in the emergency response. 

According to initial investigations, the explosion was triggered by a fire outbreak that engulfed several shops and stalls in the market.

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Witnesses claimed the fire started when a cigarette butt was carelessly discarded near highly flammable materials. 

NEMA Confirms Four Dead, 50 Injured in Zamfara Market Explosion

Among the injured, 46 victims have been taken to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto for treatment across various medical units, including orthopaedics, surgery, intensive care, and ENT departments.

NEMA assured that it is working closely with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide aid to the victims and prevent further casualties. 

Meanwhile, former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, has pledged to cover the medical expenses of all victims. His representative, Alhaji Sha’aya’u Sarkin Pawa, stated that arrangements were made for the immediate evacuation of the injured to Sokoto for urgent treatment. 

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. While some reports suggest the blast originated from a shop dealing in locally made firearms, the police have deployed an anti-bomb squad to examine the scene.

Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, assured that authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the incident.

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