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Two people have died in a gun powder explosion at a local market in Talata-Mafara Market, Zamfara State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, caused widespread panic as traders and shoppers scrambled for safety in the busy market.
An eyewitness told Channels Television that the explosion originated from a shop dealing in locally fabricated firearms
The Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, confirmed the incident to Channels Television in a telephone conversation on Wednesday.
He stated that the injured victims have been referred to Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto for medical treatment.
“Yes, I received a distress call this afternoon about the sad incident, 44 people were injured and they have been referred to Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto for medical attention, no live was lost,” Yari stated.
Zamfara State has been grappling with escalating insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings.
Locally made firearms, often used by vigilante groups, have become widespread, raising concerns about safety and regulation.
The council Chairman said he has announced the total ban on selling locally made firearms in the market
Yari stated that he had instructed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Talata-Mafara to enforce the ban with immediate effect.
“This is not the first time it is happening, it has happened twice before today, I have announced a ban on sales of locally-made guns in the market by the local blacksmith, we cannot continue to experience this type of tragedy.
“I have instructed the DPO of Mafara to enforce the ban immediately. Anybody that wants to be selling such should be doing that from his house not at open market, risking the lives of innocent people,” the council chairman stated.
