Esther Salifu
A gunpowder explosion has claimed two lives and left over 50 others injured at the Talata Mafara weekly market in Zamfara State.
The deceased, Muhammad Lawal Matusgi and Sani Adamu Kanarkalgo, succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto .
The explosion occurred around 11:30 am on Tuesday, affecting traders and customers in the section of the market where locally fabricated guns are sold. A medical worker at the General Hospital in Talata Mafara reported that the facility was overwhelmed, with many victims suffering from first-degree burns .
Former Governor Abdulazeez Yari provided vehicles to transport the injured to Sokoto for specialist care. The Red Cross also confirmed their involvement in the evacuation efforts .
A local government worker described the explosion as devastating and called on the government to relocate the gun sellers to a safer area outside the town .
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the incident but is yet to provide full details .
