The incident occurred on a busy section of the highway and quickly drew attention from motorists and nearby communities. Images and eyewitness accounts described a thick layer of foam spreading across the road and into nearby areas, raising concerns about potential chemical contamination.
Officials from the Kaduna State office of NESREA responded to the report. The team was led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hena Dangari Emmanuel. Upon arrival, they carried out an on-the-spot evaluation of the affected area to document the extent of the spill and identify immediate safety threats.
During the assessment, the NESREA team engaged with key stakeholders in the area. These included the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the FRSC Sector Commander for the corridor, and traditional and community leaders from the host community. The meetings were aimed at gathering first-hand accounts, coordinating safety measures, and planning the next steps for containment and testing.
Initial findings point to a heavy-duty truck that was involved in a road accident. The vehicle was reportedly conveying goods that are suspected to contain hazardous chemicals. The impact of the crash caused the materials to spill onto the road surface, and the reaction with air and moisture is believed to have produced the large volume of white foam seen at the scene.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact chemical composition of the spilled substances. That determination will depend on laboratory results currently being processed.
To establish the facts, NESREA officials collected multiple samples from the site. The materials taken include specimens of the white foam, soil from the immediate area, and water from a stream located close to the accident point.
All samples have been sent to accredited laboratories for analysis. The tests are expected to identify toxic elements, determine levels of contamination, and guide decisions on cleanup and public safety protocols.
In addition to physical samples, the agency also documented statements from government officials, road safety personnel, and residents who witnessed the incident. This information will be combined with the lab data to produce a full report on the cause, impact, and required response.
While investigations continue, NESREA has issued a public notice urging caution. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the white foam, avoid contact with water bodies in the vicinity, and refrain from touching soil around the accident site.
The agency explained that until test results are released, it cannot rule out the possibility of exposure to chemicals that may be harmful to human health, livestock, and aquatic life.
“People should not handle the foam or use water from nearby sources for drinking, washing, or irrigation until we confirm that it is safe,” a statement from the Kaduna office noted. The agency added that updates will be provided once the laboratory analysis is completed.
NESREA says it is working with other relevant agencies, including security outfits and environmental health officers, to secure the area and prevent further spread. A full report will be compiled and shared with relevant authorities once the investigation is concluded.
The Kaduna–Abuja road is one of the busiest highways in the country, and officials say ensuring environmental safety along the corridor remains a priority. The agency has also called on transporters and logistics companies to adhere strictly to regulations on the movement of hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents.
Residents have been encouraged to report any unusual sightings, health symptoms, or environmental changes in the area to NESREA’s Kaduna office or to local authorities as the probe continues.
