Rivers Gas Pipeline Explosion Injures at Least 20, Damages 50 Houses

A gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has injured at least 20 people and damaged about 50 houses, alongside shops, vehicles and other property.

The explosion occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, along Old Bori Road in Aleto, reportedly following a rupture in a gas pipeline operated by NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the fire affected nearby buildings, roadside stalls and a mechanic workshop where vehicles were parked. The incident also caused significant losses for businesses in the area. Punch Newspapers

Residents Allege Earlier Warnings About Pipeline Leak

A resident identified as Stanley alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. He claimed that community leaders had notified the company about the problem but that adequate action had not been taken to prevent the incident.

Daniel Chuma, Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, also said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities over pipeline leakage concerns.

According to Chuma, the community had submitted a petition to 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.

He expressed concern that the reported warnings had not resulted in measures sufficient to prevent the explosion.

Chuma also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene as of the time he spoke to reporters. These allegations have not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation. Punch Newspapers

NNPC Activates Emergency Response

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, NNPC Limited confirmed that an explosion had occurred on a gas pipeline belonging to its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, in Aleto.

The company said the subsidiary had activated its emergency response procedures and isolated the affected section of the pipeline to limit further impact.

It added that it was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate the response and assess the damage to residents, property and the environment. NNPC Group

Community Leaders Call for Urgent Intervention

Following the explosion, community members cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and advised residents to stay away to reduce the risk of further injuries.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also called on government authorities and relevant agencies to intervene and provide assistance to affected residents.

The organisation's Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, said volunteers who visited the scene confirmed the presence of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel.

YEAC-Nigeria urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator, conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and apply relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, where appropriate.

The organisation also raised concerns about the impact of the explosion on nearby buildings and called for urgent assistance for affected residents.

Authorities and relevant agencies are expected to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the circumstances that led to the explosion.