On April 8, 2025, a fire outbreak in the herbal medicine section of the Zamfara Central Market resulted in the destruction of at least 55 shops. The incident occurred in the early hours and follows a previous fire that razed 103 shops just six weeks prior.
The cause of the fire, which began around 1 AM, is still under investigation. Alhaji Sa’adu Dahiru, the chairman of the traders, reported that the fire not only destroyed herbal shops but also affected vendors selling blouses and seasonings. He expressed deep concern for the affected traders, many of whom have lost their livelihoods.
One victim shared a heartbreaking account of losing N50,000 intended for the bank along with his goods. Another trader, Muhammad Kabiru, estimated his losses at around N14 million but maintained a positive outlook, viewing the tragedy as a trial from God and appealing for financial assistance to help them restart their businesses.
The managing director of the market, Alhaji Ahmad Salihu Shinkafi, indicated that preliminary reports suggest the fire might have been ignited by a herb that can explode under excessive heat. He confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.
To prevent future incidents, the market management has prohibited the use of fire within the market premises, restricting vendors who rely on open flames. Despite these measures, the cause of the latest fire remains unclear.
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