At least 20 people have reportedly sustained injuries, while about 50 houses were destroyed following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred at about 5pm along Old Bori Road after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured, triggering an explosion and fire that spread to nearby properties.
Several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while shops, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked in the area were also reportedly damaged.
A resident identified as Stanley said the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the explosion, raising concerns about the handling of the reported fault.
“The pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties. This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.
Stanley alleged that community leaders had informed the company about the leak but that adequate steps were not taken to address the danger before the incident.
He added that many of those affected were passers-by and people conducting business in the area.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, also said concerns had previously been raised with the company and relevant government agencies over pipeline leakages.
According to him, the community had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, with the police copied, seeking urgent intervention.
“There was a leakage on another section of the Nigeria Gas Company. We wrote to them and submitted a petition to NOSDRA and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, copying the police for urgent intervention.
“We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left. Today, we were called to an explosion at the same Nigeria Gas Company pipeline that has destroyed over 50 houses and cars, with many casualties. People have been rushed to the hospital.”
Chuma expressed concern that the explosion had occurred despite the earlier complaints, adding that, as of his visit, he was not aware of any company representative who had arrived at the scene.
He said community members had taken steps to restrict access to the affected area to prevent further injuries.
“What we have done is to cordon off the incident scene with barrier tape and ask our community people to stay away.
“Before now, everyone scampered for safety. The few who came were asked to stay far away to avoid any further incident,” he said.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also confirmed the incident, reporting that several victims had been hospitalised.
Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, urged the relevant authorities to respond urgently and provide assistance to residents affected by the explosion.
“We are using this medium to call on the relevant authorities, the Rivers State Government, the Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, the Federal Government and all the bodies involved in checking oil spills and gas explosions to come to the aid of Aleto people. This is a serious incident,” he said.
Dumnamene said the fire was still burning when the organisation issued its statement and that surrounding buildings had also been affected.
The incident has renewed concerns over pipeline safety, emergency response and the consequences of reported leaks in communities located near gas infrastructure.
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