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.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Thursday following a rupture in a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company along Old Bori Road.
Several victims were reportedly rushed to hospitals, while shops, a mechanic workshop and parked vehicles were also affected by the explosion.
A resident, who identified himself as Stanley, alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion, despite complaints to the company.
He said most of those affected were passers-by and traders operating in the area.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he had earlier written to the company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, requesting urgent intervention.
Chuma expressed concern that the explosion occurred despite the complaints, adding that more than 50 houses and several vehicles were affected, while victims were taken to hospitals.
He also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene as of the time of his statement.
Chuma said community members had cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and urged residents to keep away to prevent further casualties.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident and said several people had been hospitalised.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government, NOSDRA and other relevant agencies to intervene and provide assistance to affected residents.
Dumnamene warned that the fire was still burning at the time of his statement, posing further risks to surrounding buildings and property.
