At least 20 people were injured and more than 50 houses burnt on Thursday after a gas pipeline explosion rocked Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The explosion occurred around 5 p.m. along Old Bori Road, reportedly following a rupture in a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company.
Several victims were rushed to hospitals, while houses, shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop were affected by the fire.
A resident, Emmanuel, said the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the explosion.
“The Pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties.
"This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.
He alleged that community leaders had informed the company about the leak but that their concerns were not properly addressed.
Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment.
“We asked for a joint investigation.
"We don’t know what they did before they left,” Chuma said.
He added that the explosion had destroyed houses and cars, leaving several people injured.
Chuma said community members had advised residents to stay away from the affected area to prevent further casualties.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) called on the federal and state governments and relevant agencies to assist affected residents.
The group’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene, said, “We are using this medium to call on the relevant authorities, the Rivers State government, Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, the Rivers State, the Federal Government, and all the bodies involved in checking oil spill and explosion to come to the aid of Aleto people.
"This is a serious incident.”
The group said it had not independently confirmed any deaths and urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and investigate the incident.
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