A deadly explosion at Talata-Mafara Market in Zamfara State has claimed the lives of two people and left 44 others injured, causing panic among traders and shoppers.
The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, was reportedly caused by gunpowder stored in a shop dealing in locally fabricated firearms. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people scrambled for safety in the busy marketplace.
Confirming the incident in a phone interview on Wednesday, the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, said the injured victims had been transferred to Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto for treatment.
Ban on Sale of Locally Made Firearms
In response to the incident, Yari announced an immediate ban on the sale of locally made firearms in the market. He directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Talata-Mafara to enforce the ban to prevent further tragedies.
“This is not the first time this has happened; similar incidents have occurred twice before today,” Yari stated. “We cannot continue to experience such tragedies. I have instructed the DPO to enforce the ban immediately. Anyone who wants to sell such items must do so from their home, not in an open market where innocent lives are at risk.”
Concerns Over Local Firearms
Zamfara State has seen improvements in security, with troops making progress in the fight against banditry and kidnappings. However, the widespread availability of locally made firearms, often used by vigilante groups, has raised concerns about public safety and regulation.
Authorities are now investigating the explosion, while efforts are underway to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
(Source: Channels TV)
