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.”

In a bid to advance Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has welcomed a high-level delegation from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) to Abuja.

The delegation, led by Mr. Tian Bei, Deputy General Manager of NORINCO’s Africa-America Department, met with the minister on Saturday as part of ongoing military-industrial engagements initiated in 2024.

In a statement signed by its personal assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-wudil on Monday said the visit aims to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities through strategic partnerships with globally recognised defence firms.

Matawalle reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to transforming the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) into a leading military production entity.

“Our doctrine is clear: Nigeria must attain self-reliance in defence production. We are open to serious partners who are ready to respect our sovereignty, transfer critical technology, and build genuine local capacity,” he stated.

The collaboration with NORINCO is expected to yield significant benefits, including comprehensive technology transfer, advanced training and capacity-building, and increased indigenous content in defence manufacturing.

These efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises local defence capability, operational autonomy, and national security through industrial innovation.

Matawalle assured the delegation of Nigeria’s full backing, emphasising that the Ministry of Defence is prepared to support all credible initiatives aimed at transforming the country into a regional hub for military hardware production.