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At least 20 people have reportedly sustained injuries following a gas pipeline explosion that caused widespread destruction in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, also left about 50 houses destroyed, raising fresh concerns over public safety and the protection of lives and property in the area.
The explosion reportedly occurred around 5 p.m. along Old Bori Road after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured. The resulting fire affected several residential buildings and commercial establishments, including roadside stalls and a mechanic workshop where vehicles were parked.
Several injured victims were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Residents and business owners in the affected neighbourhood were forced to flee as the explosion and subsequent fire created panic across the community.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, disclosed that concerns had previously been raised over a pipeline leak. According to him, letters and petitions had been sent to the relevant company and government agencies, including environmental authorities, seeking urgent intervention. He expressed concern that the reported leakage was not adequately addressed before the explosion occurred.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre has called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to urgently intervene, assist affected residents and investigate the incident. Authorities have been urged to establish the circumstances surrounding the pipeline rupture, assess the extent of the damage and take preventive measures to avert a similar disaster. As of the latest reports, the number of fatalities, if any, had not been independently confirmed.
