No fewer than six people have lost their lives following a horrific gas-laden truck explosion at a military checkpoint along the busy Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State. The tragic incident, which resulted in a massive fire outbreak, caused significant disruption along the major transit route before emergency responders could bring the situation under control.
The development was made public on Tuesday night through an update shared by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama. According to the security brief, the fatal explosion occurred within the territorial jurisdiction of the Chikara Division, drawing a rapid and coordinated emergency response from local police officers, personnel attached to the Motor Traffic Division, and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The gas truck, which was heavily loaded with gas cylinders, reportedly exploded as it approached the established Army checkpoint. The impact of the blast triggered an immediate and intense fire that quickly spread to several other commercial vehicles operating in close proximity.
The driver of the gas truck alongside his motor boy were instantly burnt to death in the cabin, while the raging fire rapidly engulfed three other trucks, killing their respective drivers and conductors as well. In total, six casualties were recorded at the scene of the disaster.
The affected vehicles, which bore registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State, and the Federal Capital Territory, were completely incinerated by the inferno. Following the containment of the blaze, the remains of the victims were evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital in Abaji, while emergency workers successfully cleared the burnt wreckage from the highway to restore the free flow of traffic.
