The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched an investigation into a suspected chemical spill on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway following the appearance of a white, foamy substance believed to have resulted from a road accident involving a heavy-duty truck.
A statement issued by the agency’s Assistant Director (Press), Nwamaka Ejiofor, said a team from the NESREA Kaduna State Field Office, led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hena Dangari Emmanuel, visited the scene to commence investigations.
During the visit, the team met with the Police Commander for Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander for the area, and the community leader as part of efforts to gather information on the incident.
According to the statement, “Preliminary findings indicate that a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident leading to the spillage of its contents at the location.”
NESREA said investigators also gathered information from relevant officials and residents, while samples of the foamy substance, surrounding soil, and water from a nearby stream were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the nature and possible environmental impact of the spill.
The agency appealed to residents and road users to exercise caution pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid contact with the foamy substance, the water, and the surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded, to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials,” the statement said.
NESREA said the laboratory analysis would help establish the composition of the spilled substance and guide any necessary environmental response, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
