NESREA investigates alleged toxic leak along Kaduna-Abuja highway

An investigation has been initiated by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency regarding a suspected chemical spill on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, where a white, foamy substance was discovered at the site of an accident.

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The agency's Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, issued a statement on Tuesday, revealing that a team from the Kaduna State Field Office, led by State Coordinator Mr Hena Dangari Emmanuel, visited the affected area as part of the inquiry.

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The team convened with key stakeholders, including the Police Commander for Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps commander for the area, and the community leader, to gather information.

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According to preliminary findings by NESREA, the accident involved a heavy-duty truck that spilled its contents at the location, leading to the presence of the mysterious substance.

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The agency has collected information from relevant officials and residents to support the ongoing investigation, and has also gathered samples of the foamy substance, soil, and water from a nearby stream for laboratory analysis.

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NESREA has issued a warning to residents, advising them to avoid contact with the substance and surrounding environmental elements until the investigation is complete, to prevent potential exposure to hazardous materials.

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The agency has explicitly cautioned the public, stating that they should avoid contact with the foamy substance, water, and surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded, to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials.

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The laboratory analysis of the collected samples will determine the nature of the substance and inform further action, according to the agency.