The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department has confirmed that the death toll from the Abuja truck explosion has risen to eight.

The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-laden truck and multiple vehicles.

Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Abdulrahman Mohammed, provided the update on Thursday while addressing journalists at the scene.

Earlier, the FCT Police Command, through a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, reported six fatalities and the destruction of 14 vehicles in the explosion. However, Mohammed clarified that among the initial six casualties, four were burned beyond recognition. Two additional victims, who were initially rescued, succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning, bringing the total fatalities to eight.

“Five people were confirmed dead at the scene yesterday. One more passed away later, making six. Then this morning, after further checks, we discovered that two more had died, bringing the total to eight. Four of the victims from yesterday were burned beyond recognition,” he explained.

He also confirmed that 30 others were receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across the FCT. According to him, eight victims are being treated at Karu General Hospital, 10 at Customs Hospital, 11 at the National Hospital, and one at Aso Clinic.

Mohammed further stated that officials were checking other hospitals, including Asokoro Hospital, to verify if additional victims had been admitted.

Sirajo Jaja, the accountant-general of Bauchi State is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud.

Jaja, was arrested alongside one Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a point of sale (PoS) operator.

The three individuals were apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, with investigations pointing to a massive fraud involving the diversion of public funds and money laundering amounting to N70 billion.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests, and sources within the commission revealed that the investigation centers on the alleged movement of N59 billion, which was withdrawn from various bank accounts opened by Sirajo Jaja on behalf of the Bauchi State government.

The funds were allegedly funneled through Abubakar and Sambo, who made cash payments to political party agents and associates of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Additionally, Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, was rearrested in connection with the case.

The EFCC is also looking into Governor Bala Mohammed’s involvement in the scandal.

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The ceremony took place after a brief meeting between the president and the newly appointed sole administrator at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon.

Ibas’s appointment follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political instability and security challenges.

As part of the emergency measures, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Vice Admiral Ibas will oversee governance in the state, although his role does not extend to enacting new laws.

However, the judiciary in the state will continue to operate independently.