At least 20 people have reportedly sustained injuries, while about 50 houses were damaged following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, along Old Bori Road, after a pipeline reportedly belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured, triggering an explosion and fire that affected nearby properties.
Several injured persons were taken to hospitals for medical attention. The explosion also reportedly damaged roadside stalls, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked within the affected area.
Residents said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. They alleged that community leaders had informed the company about the situation but that adequate measures were not taken to address the reported leak.
According to residents, those affected included passers-by and traders carrying out their daily activities around the area.
Daniel Chuma, Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, who visited the scene, said the community had previously contacted the company and petitioned relevant authorities over the reported pipeline leak.
Chuma explained that the council had submitted petitions to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, while also notifying the police and requesting urgent intervention.
He expressed concern that the explosion had occurred despite the earlier efforts to draw attention to the reported danger.
The council leader further alleged that no representative of the Nigeria Gas Company had visited the scene following the incident, as of the time he spoke.
Following the explosion, community members reportedly cordoned off the affected area with warning tape and advised residents to stay away to prevent further injuries.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant environmental agencies to intervene and provide assistance to affected residents.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Fyneface Fyneface, said nearby buildings had also been affected and that some victims had been hospitalised.
YEAC-Nigeria urged NOSDRA to identify the operator of the facility and conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion. It also called for the relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to be applied where appropriate.
As of the time of reporting, the cause of the explosion had not been officially established, while the allegations concerning the reported pipeline leak and the response to earlier complaints remained subject to investigation. The organisation also stated that it had not independently confirmed any fatalities.
