Mohamed Garba
In a devastating incident on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, an explosion at the Talata Mafara Central Market in Zamfara State resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left over 50 others severely injured.
The explosion occurred around 2:30 pm, causing widespread panic and chaos among traders and shoppers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast originated from a locally made gun that accidentally discharged, igniting nearby gunpowder being sold in the market.
Aminu Mohammed, a resident of Talata Mafara, recounted, “One of the vigilante group members came to buy the powdered material for his gun, and suddenly his gun exploded and hit the substance. As a result, the whole area went ablaze.” The immediate aftermath saw victims being rushed to the General Hospital Talata-Mafara. Due to the severity of their injuries, many were later transferred to the Usman Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital in Sokoto for advanced medical treatment.
A medical worker at the General Hospital, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the transfers, highlighting the critical condition of several patients. The Zamfara State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings revealed the recovery of a dane gun at the scene. Authorities have not made any arrests yet, as it’s believed the individual responsible may be among the casualties.
The police emphasized their commitment to uncovering the exact cause of the explosion and bringing any responsible parties to justice. This tragic event marks the second major explosion in Zamfara State in recent times. Earlier this month, on February 5, a fire outbreak at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA claimed the lives of at least 17 students.
The community of Talata Mafara is in mourning, with local leaders and residents calling for increased safety measures, especially concerning the sale and handling of explosive materials in public areas. As investigations continue, there is a collective hope that such preventable tragedies can be averted in the future through stricter regulations and heightened public awareness.
