The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has begun an investigation into a suspected chemical spill on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
The Agency, in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident occurred after a truck accident left a white, foamy substance at the scene.
The statement signed by Nwamaka Ejiofor, the Assistant Director (Press), said that a team from the Kaduna State Field Office had visited the site to commence investigation.
According to the statement, the team led by the State Coordinator, Mr Hena Emmanuel, had met with the Police Commander for Jere, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps commander in the area, and the community leader.
It said preliminary findings indicated that a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident, resulting in the spillage of its contents.
The statement said the agency had obtained information from security agencies, relevant officials and residents to support the investigation.
It added that samples of the foamy substance, surrounding soil and water from a nearby stream had been collected for laboratory analysis to determine their composition and possible environmental impact.
NESREA therefore advised members of the public to avoid contact with the foamy substance, the water and the surrounding soil until the investigation was concluded.
It further said that the precaution was necessary to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials.
