According to the source, the unexpected blast triggered panic in the bustling market, causing traders and shoppers to flee for safety.
An explosion at a shop selling locally made firearms at the Talata Mafara Central Market in Zamfara State claimed four lives and injured at least 20 others on Tuesday.
A resident of the community confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters over the phone.
According to the source, the unexpected blast triggered panic in the bustling market, causing traders and shoppers to flee for safety.
“Today at Talata Mafara Central Market, there was an explosion, killing several people and injuring many others,” the source said.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows at least 20 people, mostly traders, severely injured following the explosion at the Talata Mafara Central Market.
The exact cause of the blast has not yet been confirmed by the state government or the Nigeria Police Force.
However, an eyewitness told SaharaReporters that the explosion originated from a shop selling locally fabricated guns, a common trade in some parts of northern Nigeria.
Zamfara State, which has been grappling with rising insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings, has seen an increase in the circulation of locally made firearms, often used for self-defence.
The incident highlights the risks associated with the unregulated sale of arms in local markets.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Yezid Abubakar, were unsuccessful.
His phone line indicated ‘user busy’ during repeated calls on Tuesday evening, and he has not responded to follow-up text messages or WhatsApp inquiries.