Zamfara market explosion: Death toll rises to three

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the death toll in an explosion that hit Talata Mafara market in Zamfara on Tuesday has increased to three persons.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Thursday by Mr Aliyu Kafindangi, Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion resulted in the immediate loss of three lives, while 50 individuals were injured.

“The explosion triggered a subsequent fire that destroyed numerous shops and market stalls,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon during the peak of activities in the market.

The statement added that NEMA had deployed a rescue and monitoring team in response to the ugly incident.

“Following incident, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar activated its Sokoto Operations Office that deployed a rescue team that responded to the situation,” it stated.

The statement further said 46 injured persons had been admitted at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

“They are receiving treatment in various departments, including orthopedics, surgery, the ICU burn unit, among others.

“NEMA is collaborating with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant authorities to provide essential assistance to those affected,” it confirmed.

NAN reports that Sen. Abdul’Aziz Yari (APC Zamfara) and former governor of the state, who is also an indigene of the town, pledged to sponsor the hospital bills of all the victims.