Rivers Pipeline Explosion Injures 20, Destroys 50 Houses in Eleme Community

At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses destroyed following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred at about 5 p.m. on Thursday along Old Bori Road after a pipeline reportedly belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured.

Several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the incident also affected shops, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked in the area.

Residents expressed concern over the incident, alleging that the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the explosion.

A resident identified as Stanley said the leakage had persisted for about three weeks before the incident, adding that community members had raised concerns over the danger posed by the pipeline.

He alleged that the company had been notified about the leak but failed to take adequate measures to prevent the explosion.

Council Leader Alleges Earlier Warnings

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned relevant authorities over the reported leakage.

According to him, the council also petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, with the police copied, requesting urgent intervention and a joint investigation.

Chuma expressed concern that the explosion occurred despite the earlier complaints, noting that the incident had destroyed homes and vehicles and left several people injured.

He also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene following the explosion.

Community members subsequently cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and urged residents to keep their distance to prevent further casualties.

Environmental Group Calls for Urgent Intervention

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident and called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to assist affected residents.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, urged NOSDRA to identify the operator of the affected facility and conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

He also called for the relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to be applied where appropriate.

The organisation said its volunteers had visited the scene to verify the incident and confirmed that emergency personnel, including officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were present.

At the time of the initial reports, the fire was said to be affecting surrounding buildings, while the full extent of the damage and the condition of all victims remained unclear.

The incident has renewed concerns over pipeline safety, emergency response and the need for prompt action when communities report leaks around critical energy infrastructure.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the explosion and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported pipeline rupture.