NEMA confirms three dead, 46 injured in Zamfara fire outbreak

Abdullateef Fowewe

A fire broke out at the Chemical market in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Tuesday.

The incident was reported to have been triggered by a careless disposal of a cigarette remnant on gunpowder leading to a massive fire outbreak.

The fire outbreak has resulted in three fatalities and injured 46 persons.

The injured are receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital.

This was made known via a statement on NEMA’s X (formally Twitter) account.

It reads, “An explosion occurred at the Chemical Market in Talata-Mafara LGA, Zamfara State. This market is known for selling various chemicals.

“The incident took place on the afternoon of February 18, 2025. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was triggered by the careless disposal of a cigarette remnant on gunpowder, leading to a massive fire outbreak.

“The explosion resulted in significant damage, affecting 50 individuals with varying degrees of injuries. Three fatalities have been recorded, while 46 injured persons are receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) due to the severity of their conditions.

“Upon receiving the report, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) deployed a Search and Operations (SOO) team to UDUTH to assess the situation. The team confirmed that victims are being treated in different hospital divisions, including the orthopedic ward, surgical unit, ICU burns unit, and ENT division.”