At least five people have been confirmed dead, and many others injured following a gunpowder explosion at the Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State on Tuesday.
Reports said that the explosion occurred around 3:45 p.m. while traders and shoppers were engaged in their regular activities at the weekly market in Talata Mafara.
A witness, Muhammad Aliyu, was quoted in a report to have said via telephone that the blast originated near a blacksmith’s shop.
“The explosion happened at the blacksmith’s tent in the market. I was very lucky—I had just left the area when I heard the explosion, and then fire broke out,” he recounted.
“As I speak to you now, we have found five dead bodies, burnt beyond recognition, and more than 50 people have sustained varying degrees of injuries. They are receiving treatment at the Talata Mafara General Hospital,” he added.
Efforts to get reactions from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.