A catastrophic accident rocked the Karu Bridge near Nyanya, Abuja, after a fully loaded fuel tanker suffered brake failure, ramming into several vehicles and igniting a massive inferno.

Witnesses report that the impact was immediate, as flames engulfed the crash site, triggering multiple explosions that sent debris flying across the area.

According to early reports, the tanker was carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in addition to liquid fuel.

Several powerful explosions were recorded, with fireballs and shrapnel soaring as high as 700 meters into the sky. Some projectiles were reportedly flung up to 900 meters from the crash site, resembling the devastating force seen in previous industrial disasters.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as people scrambled for safety. Several vehicles were instantly consumed by the fire, trapping occupants inside.

Emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.

“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.

While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, officials fear significant loss of life due to the intensity of the explosions. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims, but multiple injuries and fatalities are expected. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.

… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.

In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.

The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.

“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.

“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”

“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.

“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.

“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.

“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”

The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called on Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure absolute impartiality in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges brought by the Nigerian government.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, AVID, along with two other US-based pro-Biafra groups—Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination—insisted that Kanu is a prisoner of conscience and should not be prosecuted, as they believe he has committed no crime.

Kanu is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Omotosho on Friday, 21 March. The groups recalled his “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021 and his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings in his favour.

The statement, signed by AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia, Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Engr Evans Nwankwo, expressed concern over what they described as the government’s disregard for judicial rulings.

“In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through a landmark opinion by its Working Group, declared that the appropriate remedy for Mr Kanu would be his immediate release and compensation in accordance with international law,” the statement read.

It also cited a December 2023 ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court, which held that the revocation of Kanu’s bail was wrongful and should be reinstated in line with Section 287(1) of the Constitution.

The groups condemned the continued prosecution of Kanu, stating that since he had been acquitted by Nigerian courts, the government had no justification for further legal action against him.

“We demand his immediate and unconditional release. The government must not pile illegality upon illegality while the world is watching,” they asserted.

The statement also urged Justice Omotosho to prioritise Kanu’s safety and remain neutral in the case. It further criticised what it described as political manoeuvring, alleging that the case had been used to create division between Nigeria’s Igbo and Yoruba communities.

“The previous administration, under Muhammadu Buhari, saw the baselessness of these charges but conveniently left them for President Tinubu’s government, possibly to sow discord between the Igbos and the Yorubas,” the groups alleged.

As Kanu’s trial approaches, the calls for his release continue to intensify, highlighting ongoing tensions over his detention and the broader agitation for Biafra.