River gas pipeline explosion injures 20 people, destroys 50 houses in Eleme

At least 20 people were reported to have sustained injuries, while about 50 houses were destroyed by a gas pipe explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of ​​Rivers State, on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred at around 5pm along Old Bori Road after a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Gas Company reportedly burst, triggering an explosion and fire that spread to nearby properties.

Several victims were rushed to hospital for treatment, while shops, mechanical workshops and vehicles parked in the area were also reported damaged.

A resident identified as Stanley said the pipe had been leaking for weeks before the explosion, raising concerns about how the reported fault was handled.

“This pipe caused injuries and property damage. This pipe had been leaking for about three weeks before today’s explosion,” he said.

Stanley alleged that community leaders had notified the company about the leak but no steps had been taken to address the danger before the incident.

He added that many of those affected were people passing through and doing business in the area.

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 regarding the pipe leak.

According to him, the community has written to the Nigerian Gas Company and submitted a petition to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, copied by the police, seeking immediate intervention.

“There is a leak in another part of the Nigerian Gas Company. We wrote to them and petitioned NOSDRA and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, asking the police to intervene immediately.

“We asked for a joint investigation. We didn’t know what they were doing before they left. Today, we were called to an explosion at the same Nigerian Gas Company pipeline that has destroyed more than 50 houses and cars, with many casualties. People have been rushed to hospital.”

Chuma expressed concern that the explosion occurred despite previous complaints, and added that, at the time of his visit, he was not aware of any company representatives having arrived at the scene.

He said community members had taken steps to limit access to the affected areas to prevent further injuries.

“What we did was cover the scene with tape and asked our people to stay away.

“Previously everyone scattered to save themselves. Several people who came were asked to stay away to avoid further incidents,” he said.

The Youth and Environment Advocacy Center (YEAC-Nigeria) also confirmed the incident and reported that some of the victims had been hospitalized.

Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, urged the relevant authorities to immediately respond and provide assistance to residents affected by the explosion.

“We use this medium to call on the relevant authorities, Rivers State Government, Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, Federal Government and all agencies involved in examining the oil spill and gas explosion to assist the people of Aleto. This is a serious incident,” he said.

Dumnamene said the fire was still burning when the organization issued its statement and nearby buildings were also affected.

This incident adds to concerns about pipeline safety, emergency response, and the impact of reported leaks in communities located near gas infrastructure.