At least five people have lost their lives, and over 50 others sustained injuries following a devastating gunpowder explosion at the bustling Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State on Tuesday.

According to reports, the explosion occurred around 3:45 p.m. while traders and shoppers were engaged in their usual business activities at the weekly market in Talata Mafara, the headquarters of the local government area.

Eyewitnesses say the blast originated near a blacksmith’s workshop, triggering chaos and panic.

“I was just leaving the blacksmith’s section when I heard a loud explosion, followed by a massive fire,” recounted Muhammad Aliyu, a witness who narrowly escaped the tragedy.

Emergency responders have so far recovered five bodies, burned beyond recognition, while the injured victims are receiving urgent medical attention at the Talata Mafara General Hospital.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement, as efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Command remain unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.