Tears and anguish filled the air as a devastating fire gutted over 55 shops in the Zamfara Central Market during the early hours of Tuesday, April 8. The blaze, which reportedly started in the herbal medicine section of the market, left traders counting heavy losses and pleading for government assistance.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, destroying stalls stocked with herbs, clothing, and food seasonings. While the exact cause of the inferno remains unknown, some believe it may have been triggered by heat-sensitive herbs stored in one of the shops.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of the affected section, Alhaji Sa’adu Dahiru, described the destruction as overwhelming.
“The fire didn’t just consume herbal goods. Shops selling blouses and seasonings were also affected. Some of our members lost everything. These traders have families and depend solely on their businesses to survive,” he lamented.
He shared the heartbreaking story of a trader who had saved N50,000 in his shop, intending to deposit it at the bank that very day. Unfortunately, the cash, along with his merchandise, was consumed by the flames.
“We are appealing to the state government to come to our aid. This is a huge loss,” Alhaji Dahiru said.
He further stated that preliminary reports from some traders suggested the fire may have been caused by a volatile herb known to combust under excessive heat. However, investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The tragedy has thrown the affected traders into despair, with many calling for urgent support to rebuild their lives and businesses.
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