Black Monday In Zamfara: Rampant Fire Destroys 55 Shops In Central Market Disaster

A fire outbreak in the early hours of Tuesday ravaged no fewer than 55 shops in the herbal medicine section of Zamfara Central Market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This unfortunate incident comes barely six weeks after a similar blaze destroyed over 100 shops in the same market, raising concerns over recurring fire disasters in the region.

The inferno, which reportedly started around 1:00 AM, remains under investigation, although early speculation suggests that highly flammable herbs stored in some of the shops may have triggered the blaze. No official cause has been confirmed yet.

Chairman of the affected section, Alhaji Sa’adu Dahiru, described the destruction as devastating. “Some of the shops destroyed also belonged to traders dealing in blouses and seasonings,” he said. “Many of our members lost everything. These are breadwinners with families depending on them.”

He cited one particular trader who had saved ₦50,000 in his shop, intending to deposit it in the bank that morning. “The money and his entire goods were lost to the fire. We are pleading with the state government for financial support,” Dahiru added.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the market, Alhaji Ahmad Salihu Shinkafi, said authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire. “Some traders claim it may have started due to a certain herb that reacts explosively to extreme heat. However, we’re still trying to establish the exact cause.”

He emphasized that the market already prohibits the use of open flames. “We banned activities like tea and food vending that involve fire. Despite our precautions, this still happened. Only God knows what sparked this disaster,” he said.

As affected traders assess their losses and appeal for government assistance, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in marketplaces across northern Nigeria.