Gas Pipeline Explosion In Rivers Community Injures About 20, Destroys More Than 50 Houses

A gas pipeline explosion has rocked the Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, injuring at least 20 people and destroying more than 50 houses.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Thursday along Old Bori Road, reportedly following a rupture in a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company.

Several victims were rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment, while shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop were also affected by the ensuing fire.

A resident of the community, identified as Emmanuel, said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion occurred.

“The pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties. This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.

Community leaders alleged they had notified the company about the leak but that no effective action was taken to address it before the blast.

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment.

“We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left,” Chuma said.

Chuma added that no representative of the company had visited the scene following the explosion.

He said community members had cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and advised residents to stay away to prevent further casualties.

“Before now, everyone scampered for safety. The few who came were asked to stay far away to avoid any further incident,” he added.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre confirmed the incident and called on relevant authorities to assist affected residents.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, said the fire was still burning when the statement was issued and had spread to surrounding buildings.

“We are using this medium to call on the relevant authorities, the Rivers State government, Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, the Federal Government, and all the bodies involved in checking oil spill and explosion to come to the aid of Aleto people. This is a serious incident,” he said.

The group said it had not independently confirmed any fatalities as of the time of its statement.

It urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to establish the cause of the incident and invoke relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 where applicable.

Residents who spoke to reporters on Friday said they were still counting their losses.

One resident, Obari Justice, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.

“We thank God that there were no loss of life. It is just that a lot of properties were damaged,” Obari said.

Another resident, Chima Ude, described the moment of the explosion.

“We were just working outside when we heard a loud sound and when we turned, it was an explosion from the gas pipeline. It started pumping and kept pumping,” Ude said.

Ngofa Jane, an indigene of Aleto, said many people were injured while trying to escape.

“People were running and falling. One woman who has a shop close to the pipeline was thrown away by the explosion. It was God that decided that the woman should not die. If not, she would have been dead by now. We need government’s help,” she said.

The scene of the explosion was cordoned off by operatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police as of Friday morning.

The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said she was unaware of the incident when contacted and requested a text message to enable her to make enquiries.