NEMA Confirms Death Toll in Zamfara Market Blast

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that a blast at Talata Mafara Market in Zamfara State on Tuesday resulted in four fatalities and injured 50 others.

NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the agency promptly dispatched a rescue team from its Sokoto Operations Office to manage the situation.

“Our team arrived at the scene to assess the situation and support emergency response efforts. Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion, caused by fire, destroyed several shops and stalls in the market,” Umar stated.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the explosion was sparked by a discarded cigarette butt, which ignited flammable materials in the market.

NEMA stated that 46 of the injured victims have been taken to Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where they are receiving treatment in the orthopedics, surgery, ICU burn unit, and ENT departments.

“NEMA is working closely with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide necessary support to the victims and their families,” Umar added.