A gunpowder explosion at a local market in Talata-Mafara Market, Zamfara State, has claimed the lives of two individuals.
In addition, 44 people were hurt in the incident and are currently in the hospital getting treatment.
Tuesday’s tragedy sparked widespread panic as consumers and vendors frantically sought shelter in the crowded marketplace.
Reporters were informed by an eyewitness that a store selling locally made weaponry was the source of the explosion.
In a phone call with Channels Television on Wednesday, Yahaya Yari, the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, verified the occurrence.
He said that Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto has been referred to handle the injured patients.
“Yes, I received a distress call this afternoon about the sad incident; 44 people were injured, and they have been referred to Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, for medical attention; no lives were lost,” Yari stated.
As the military have worked to combat kidnappings and banditry, Zamfara State has seen an improvement in security.
Concerns over safety and regulation have been raised by the proliferation of locally manufactured firearms, which are frequently utilized by vigilante groups.
The chairman of the council stated that he has declared a complete prohibition on the sale of firearms manufactured in the area.
Yari stated that he had instructed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Talata-Mafara to enforce the ban with immediate effect.
“This is not the first time it has happened; it has happened twice before today. I have announced a ban on sales of locally-made guns in the market by the local blacksmith. We cannot continue to experience this type of tragedy.
“I have instructed the DPO of Mafara to enforce the ban immediately. Anybody that wants to be selling such should be doing that from his house not at an open market, risking the lives of innocent people,” the council chairman stated.
