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Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State are demanding compensation and an investigation into a gas pipeline explosion that reportedly injured 20 people and damaged more than 50 houses and shops.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) confirmed the explosion on Friday, saying it occurred on Thursday along a gas pipeline operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited.
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The incident has raised concerns about residents’ safety and how warnings about a suspected gas leak were handled before the explosion.
In footage reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, brownish substances billowed into the sky from the affected area, while people nearby ran for safety. Others stood at a distance, visibly apprehensive, with some appearing to pray as the substances continued to rise.
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The Punch newspaper reported that 20 people were injured, while a traditional ruler blamed the incident on warnings that were allegedly ignored.
Survivors, according to The Guardian, have also demanded compensation for their losses and called for an investigation into claims that the suspected leak was reported before the explosion.
A shop owner, identified only as Esther, told the newspaper that she was attending to customers when she heard a loud explosion. As she and others rushed outside to investigate, another blast followed, scattering goods and forcing them to flee.
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The incident reportedly occurred along Old Bori Road in Aleto community.
The allegations of ignored warnings have been echoed by community leaders.
Channels Television reported that an eyewitness said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, also said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities over the reported leak, seeking urgent intervention.
The King of Eleme, Philip Osaro Obele, accused the pipeline operator of failing to address an earlier warning about an unusual noise from the facility. He alleged that officials visited the site but erected a barricade instead of repairing the suspected fault. The claims have not been established by an independent technical investigation.
Government response
The Rivers State Government said its Environment and Energy and Natural Resources ministries inspected the site to assess the damage and engage with the affected community.
During the visit, the state government expressed sympathy for residents and called for urgent intervention to address the challenges confronting Eleme. Community representatives reiterated concerns about how the reported leak was handled and called for accountability.
NNPC said it had isolated the affected pipeline segment and was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, security agencies and other stakeholders to assess the damage.
The company also said it would review relevant operational records, including previous reports and actions taken, to find the circumstances surrounding the explosion and determine appropriate corrective measures.
However, NNPC said it was still assessing the explosion’s cause and the full extent of its impact. It asked residents to stay away from the affected area and comply with safety instructions from emergency responders.
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