Rivers Pipeline Explosion Injures 20, Destroys 50 Houses in Eleme

At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses destroyed following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred around 5 p.m. on Thursday along Old Bori Road after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured, triggering a fire that spread to nearby buildings and businesses.

Several victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, while stalls, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked within the affected area were also reportedly destroyed.

Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking gas for about three weeks before the explosion, despite complaints to the company.

A resident, identified only as Stanley, said community leaders had alerted the company about the leak but that no effective action was taken before the incident.

According to him, many of those affected were passers-by and people working around the area when the explosion occurred.

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, confirmed the extensive damage and said he had previously raised concerns about the pipeline’s condition.

Chuma disclosed that he had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment over an earlier leak involving another section of the same pipeline.

He said the police were also copied in the correspondence.

“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.

He expressed concern over the incident, adding that no representative of the company had arrived at the scene as of the time he spoke.

Community members reportedly cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape to prevent people from approaching the scene and reduce the risk of further casualties.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also confirmed the explosion.

Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, said several victims had been hospitalised and called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance to affected residents.

Dumnamene urged the authorities to intervene to address the immediate humanitarian needs of victims and support residents whose homes and livelihoods had been affected.

The fire was reportedly still burning at the time of the initial reports, raising concerns about further damage and the safety of residents in surrounding communities.

The incident has renewed concerns over pipeline safety, timely responses to reported gas leaks and the protection of communities living close to critical oil and gas infrastructure.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Nigeria Gas Company on the cause of the explosion or the allegations that the pipeline had leaked for several weeks before the incident.