Aleto Gas Pipeline Explosion Injures at Least 20 in Rivers, Damages Houses

At least 20 people have reportedly been injured in a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, with several houses and other properties damaged in the incident on Thursday evening.

The explosion reportedly occurred around 5 p.m. along Old Bori Road. The affected pipeline was said to belong to the Nigeria Gas Company, although the cause of the explosion has not been independently established.

Several victims were reportedly taken to hospitals for treatment. Properties affected included houses, roadside stalls, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked within the workshop. According to an eyewitness, many of those injured were passers-by and people conducting business in the area when the explosion occurred.

The eyewitness alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the incident. The source further claimed that community leaders had raised concerns about the leak but that adequate steps had not been taken to prevent the explosion.

Daniel Chuma, Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, confirmed the incident after visiting the scene. He said he had previously written to the company about the reported leak and petitioned relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment. The police were also copied in the petition.

“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 pipeline of the Nigeria Gas Company that has destroyed houses, cars, and caused many casualties,” Chuma said.

The council leader also expressed concern that no representative of the company had visited the scene by the time he spoke. He said community members had cordoned off the affected area with caution tape and advised residents to keep away to reduce the risk of further harm.

Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) called on the Rivers and Federal Governments, alongside relevant environmental agencies, to intervene urgently. Its Executive Director, Fyneface Fyneface, said surrounding buildings had been affected and some residents were receiving hospital treatment. The organisation said it had not independently confirmed any deaths and that the cause of the explosion remained unverified.

YEAC-Nigeria urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to establish what led to the incident. It also called for relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to be applied where appropriate. The reported injuries and property damage have intensified calls for a thorough investigation into the pipeline leak and measures to prevent similar incidents.