Rivers Explosion Leaves Dozens Injured, Destroys Homes

A gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has injured at least 20 people and destroyed about 50 houses, raising concerns over reports that the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the incident.

The explosion occurred at about 5pm on Thursday after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured along Old Bori Road.

Several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the blast and ensuing fire affected residential buildings, roadside stalls and a mechanic workshop where cars were parked.

A resident, identified as Stanley, said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. He alleged that community leaders had notified the company about the problem but that adequate steps were not taken to prevent the incident.

According to him, many of those affected were people passing through the area and traders conducting business nearby.

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, also said concerns about the pipeline leak had previously been reported to the relevant authorities.

Chuma said he had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the police, requesting urgent intervention and a joint investigation.

He expressed concern that the explosion occurred despite the earlier complaints, leaving homes and vehicles damaged and several residents injured.

Chuma added that no representative of the company had visited the scene at the time he spoke. Community members had cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and warned residents to stay away to reduce the risk of further injuries.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also confirmed the incident and called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant environmental agencies to provide assistance to affected residents.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, urged the authorities to intervene and support victims who had been hospitalised. He said the fire was still burning when his organisation issued its statement, with surrounding buildings also affected.

The incident has renewed attention on the need for prompt action when communities report gas leaks and other hazards around pipelines. Residents affected by the explosion now face injuries, damaged homes and losses to businesses.

The circumstances surrounding the reported leak, the response to earlier complaints and the cause of the rupture are expected to be key issues for the relevant authorities to examine.

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