An explosion rocked Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday evening, injuring about 20 people and destroying more than 50 houses following a rupture in a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC).
The incident occurred along Old Bori Road in Aleto, triggering a fire that affected residential buildings, roadside stalls and a mechanic workshop where several vehicles were parked.
Several victims were reportedly rushed to hospitals for medical treatment, while residents were left counting their losses following the destruction caused by the explosion.
Eleme Council Leader Alleges Neglect of Previous Pipeline Leak Reports
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, confirmed the incident and alleged that authorities had been alerted to a pipeline leak before the explosion but failed to take adequate action.
According to Chuma, the council had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned relevant regulatory and environmental authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, seeking urgent intervention.
He said the council had also copied the police and requested a joint investigation into the reported leak.
“There was a leakage on another section of the Nigeria Gas Company. We wrote to them and submitted a petition to NOSDRA and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, copying the police for urgent intervention.
“We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left. Today, we were called to an explosion at the same Nigeria Gas Company pipeline that has destroyed over 50 houses and cars, with many casualties. People have been rushed to the hospital,” Chuma said.
The council leader expressed concern over the incident, which reportedly affected homes, businesses and vehicles, and raised questions about the handling of the earlier complaints.
YEAC-Nigeria Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, called on relevant authorities to intervene urgently and provide support for residents affected by the explosion.
The appeal comes amid concerns over the safety of residents living close to gas infrastructure in the Eleme area, where pipeline incidents can pose serious risks to lives, property and livelihoods.
Authorities and relevant agencies are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the rupture, assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate response to the incident.
Residents Face Aftermath of Aleto Explosion
The explosion has left affected residents facing the consequences of damaged homes, disrupted businesses and destroyed property.
With more than 50 houses reportedly affected and about 20 people injured, calls have intensified for an investigation into the incident, accountability over the earlier leak reports and immediate assistance for victims.
Further details regarding the condition of the injured victims, the full extent of the damage and any official response from the Nigeria Gas Company were not immediately available.
The incident underscores the importance of prompt action on reported pipeline leaks, effective monitoring of gas infrastructure and emergency preparedness to prevent similar disasters in host communities.