At least six people have died following the explosion of a gas-laden truck at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.

The incident was reported on Tuesday night by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on X.

According to the report, the explosion occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chikara Division, triggering an emergency response from officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Motor Traffic Division (MTD), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The truck, which was transporting gas cylinders, reportedly exploded as it approached the Army checkpoint, causing a raging inferno that rapidly spread to nearby vehicles.

Makama said the truck driver and his assistant were burnt beyond recognition, while the flames also engulfed three other trucks, killing their respective drivers and motor boys.

"The driver of the gas truck and his motor boy were burnt to death, while the fire also engulfed three other trucks, killing their drivers and motor boys. In total, six people died in the incident," he wrote.

The explosion completely destroyed the affected trucks, which bore registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The victims' remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Abaji, while emergency responders cleared the burnt vehicles from the highway to restore the free flow of traffic.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, as efforts to determine the cause of the explosion continue.