At least 20 people have sustained injuries, while more than 50 houses have been destroyed following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The explosion occurred at about 5pm on Thursday, October 15, along Old Bori Road, reportedly following a rupture in a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company.
Several victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, while nearby shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop were also affected by the inferno.
Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion, raising concerns over whether adequate action was taken to prevent the disaster.
A resident, identified as Stanley, claimed that community members had notified the company about the leak before the incident.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, also said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, seeking urgent intervention.
Chuma, who visited the scene, expressed concern that the reported warnings had not resulted in effective action to prevent the explosion.
He said the incident destroyed homes and vehicles, leaving several people injured and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Following the explosion, community members reportedly cordoned off the affected area and warned residents to keep their distance to avoid further casualties.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident and called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to provide urgent assistance to affected residents.
The organization also urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and conduct a joint investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
As of the latest reports, no fatalities had been independently confirmed by the advocacy group, while the full extent of the damage and the official cause of the incident remained under investigation.
The disaster has renewed concerns about pipeline safety, emergency response and the need for prompt action when communities report gas leaks.
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