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 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured along Old Bori Road in the community.
The inferno spread to nearby residential and business premises, destroying houses, shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop. Several victims were reportedly rushed to hospitals for treatment as residents fled the area in panic.
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 leak but that adequate measures were not taken to prevent the incident.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he had previously written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the police, seeking urgent intervention.
Chuma expressed concern that the reported leak had not been adequately addressed before the explosion, which left several residents injured and caused extensive property damage. He also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene following the incident.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently intervene and provide assistance to affected residents.
The organisation said it had not independently confirmed any fatalities as of the time of its statement. It also called for a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the cause of the explosion and determine the appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.
Residents have been advised to stay away from the affected area as efforts are needed to secure the scene and prevent further casualties.
