At least six people lost their lives on Tuesday night after a truck transporting gas cylinders exploded at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.
The incident occurred within the Chikara Division axis of the highway, triggering a massive fire that engulfed several vehicles.
According to security sources, the truck exploded as it approached the military checkpoint, with the resulting inferno spreading rapidly to three other trucks parked nearby.
The driver of the gas-laden truck and his assistant were reportedly killed in the explosion, while the drivers and assistants of the three affected trucks also lost their lives, bringing the death toll to six.
The destroyed trucks reportedly bore registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and officers of the Motor Traffic Division responded to the scene to contain the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
The remains of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Abaji, while the burnt vehicles were removed from the highway to restore the free flow of traffic.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion.