NEMA Confirms Death Toll in Zamfara Market Explosion
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that an explosion at Talata Mafara Market in Zamfara State on Tuesday resulted in four fatalities and left 50 people injured.
In a statement on Wednesday, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, revealed that a rescue team from the Sokoto Operations Office was swiftly deployed to the scene to assist with emergency response efforts.
“Our team assessed the situation and provided support. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire-induced explosion destroyed several shops and stalls,” Umar stated.
Eyewitnesses suggested that the blast was triggered by a discarded cigarette butt, which ignited flammable materials within the market.
NEMA further disclosed that 46 of the injured victims have been moved to Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where they are receiving treatment in the orthopedics, surgery, ICU burns, and ENT departments.
The agency assured that it is working in collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant bodies to provide necessary assistance to the victims and their families.
