In brief
A strange white foam covering the Kaduna‑Abuja Expressway has stunned motorists and drawn social‑media attention. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched an inquiry, collecting samples from the foam, surrounding soil and nearby water. Preliminary reports link the foam to a spill from a damaged lorry, though the cargo remains unclear. Authorities advise the public to stay away from the substance until the investigation is complete.
An urgent investigation has been launched by Nigeria's environmental agency after a strange white foamy substance appeared on a major highway, sparking a public spectacle and raising safety concerns.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) warned people to keep their distance from the unidentified substance along the busy Kaduna‑Abuja Expressway, linking the main city in the north to the federal capital.
Hundreds of motorists have been stopping to photograph it since it appeared a few days ago, with many sharing images on social media. Some speculated it might be a chemical spill, while others seemed to revel in the novelty of the scene.
A regular driver on the route, Isah Aminu, told BBC that he had initially been told by another driver that "clouds had fallen from the sky". He remarked that the foam looked like snow and advised that authorities explain what it is to end confusion.
NESREA confirmed that its Queensland Field Office, led by State Coordinator Hena Dangari Emmanuel, had visited the site. Samples of the foamy substance, soil and water from a nearby stream were collected for laboratory tests to determine composition and potential environmental impact.
The agency has advised the public to avoid contact with the substance, the water and the surrounding soil until the investigation concludes to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials.
Preliminary findings indicated a spillage occurred after a lorry was involved in an accident, but the exact nature of the lorry's cargo remains unclear.
