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20 people injured after a Nigeria Gas Company pipeline reportedly ruptured and exploded in Aleto, Eleme.
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About 50 houses, shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop were reportedly destroyed by the ensuing fire.
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Residents allege the pipeline leaked for three weeks, despite complaints to the company and relevant authorities.
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Authorities urged to act urgently as the fire reportedly continued burning and threatened more buildings.
October 16, (THEWILL) – At least 20 people have been injured and over 50 houses and vehicles destroyed after a gas pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured and exploded in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday.
The explosion occurred at about 5 p.m. along Old Bori Road, sending flames through nearby residential and business premises and triggering panic among residents.
Several victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, while shops, vehicles and a mechanic workshop were also damaged.
A resident identified as Stanley alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion.
According to him, community leaders had alerted the company about the leak but no effective intervention was made before the incident occurred.
“The pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties. This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.
Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, also said the authorities had been alerted to the reported leak before Thursday’s explosion.
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Chuma said he had written to the gas company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the police, seeking urgent intervention and a joint investigation.
He expressed concern that the failure to resolve the reported leak had now resulted in injuries and extensive destruction of property.
Chuma said more than 50 houses and vehicles were affected, adding that residents had been forced to flee the area as the fire spread.
He said the affected section had been cordoned off and residents were advised to keep away from the scene to prevent further casualties.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident and appealed to the Rivers State Government, Federal Government and relevant emergency and environmental agencies to urgently intervene.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene, said the fire was still burning when he issued his statement, warning that the flames had spread to nearby buildings.
He called for immediate efforts to contain the inferno, prevent further destruction, and provide medical and relief assistance to residents affected by the disaster.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
