A devastating explosion ripped through the Chemical Market in Talata-Mafara, Zamfara State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction and human suffering in its wake.
The blast, triggered by the careless disposal of a cigarette remnant on gunpowder, ignited a massive fire, impacting 50 individuals with injuries ranging in severity.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) swiftly responded to the crisis, deploying its Search and Operations team to the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto State. Their mission was to assess the humanitarian needs of the victims and provide necessary support.
NEMA’s assessment revealed the grim toll of the explosion. Tragically, three fatalities were recorded, while 46 individuals suffered injuries so severe that they required treatment at the teaching hospital. The injured were dispersed across various hospital departments, including the Orthopaedic ward, Surgical unit, ICU burns unit, and ENT division, reflecting the diverse nature of their injuries.
In the face of this tragedy, former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, stepped forward with a compassionate gesture. He pledged to cover all medical expenses for the 50 victims of the explosion, offering a lifeline to those struggling to recover.
Alhaji Sha’aya’u Sarkin Pawa, the Zonal Coordinator of Senator Yari’s Constituency Office, conveyed the former governor’s commitment to the victims. He emphasized that Senator Yari directed the immediate evacuation of all affected individuals to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for comprehensive and appropriate treatment.
Sarkin Pawa further stated that the lawmaker’s support would continue until all patients were discharged from the hospital, ensuring they received the necessary care without the burden of medical costs. He also expressed gratitude for the prompt response of security agencies and volunteers, whose efforts helped contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
Earlier reports from Alhaji Yahaya Yari, the Chairman of the Talata Mafara LGA, confirmed two deaths and 42 hospitalizations. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, stated that the Police Anti-bomb Squad was investigating the incident to determine the precise cause of the explosion.
