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RIVERS GAS PIPELINE EXPLOSION INJURES 20, DESTROYS DOZENS OF HOMES
At least 20 people were injured and about 50 houses were damaged or destroyed after a gas pipeline explosion rocked Aleto community in Eleme Local Gov...
By Patience
Gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The explosion occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, along Old Bori Road. The affected pipeline was identified as belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s gas infrastructure subsidiary.
The incident affected homes, businesses, vehicles and other property in the surrounding area. Some injured residents were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The explosion has also raised questions about whether an earlier warning about a possible pipeline leak was adequately addressed before the incident.
RESIDENTS RAISE CONCERNS OVER EARLIER LEAK
Residents gave conflicting accounts of what may have caused the explosion.
Some suspected that the pipeline had been tampered with, while others said it had been leaking for weeks before the fire broke out.
The King of Eleme, HRM Phillip Obelle, alleged that residents had previously raised concerns about an unusual noise coming from the pipeline. He claimed that the response to the warning did not adequately address the underlying problem.
According to the monarch, a youth leader had alerted the company after noticing the problem. He alleged that workers subsequently erected a barricade but failed to carry out the necessary repairs.
Obelle rejected suggestions that third-party interference was responsible, arguing that the pipeline's condition should be investigated.
However, the cause of the explosion had not been conclusively established in the reports available on Saturday. The allegations concerning earlier warnings and the response to them therefore remain matters requiring investigation.
NNPC ACTIVATES EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited confirmed the incident and said emergency response procedures had been activated.
The company stated that the affected section of the pipeline had been isolated while relevant agencies worked to assess the situation.
It also said it was collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, security agencies and other stakeholders to coordinate the response.
The company indicated that operational records, including previous reports and actions taken, would be reviewed to help establish what happened.
Engagement with community leaders was also initiated to identify the immediate needs of affected residents and coordinate assistance.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the affected area and comply with safety instructions issued by emergency responders.
COMMUNITY CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
The Eleme Local Government Council called for urgent intervention following the explosion and concerns about the condition of infrastructure in the area.
Community representatives have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the reported leak was brought to the attention of the relevant authorities before the explosion.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, a civil society organisation, also appealed to the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and environmental agencies to assist the affected community.
The organisation called for the identification of the operator responsible for the facility and a joint investigation to establish the cause of the incident and assess its impact.
It also called for assistance for injured residents and people whose homes and businesses were affected.
RESIDENTS FACE PROPERTY LOSSES
The damage has left affected households and business owners facing the consequences of losing property and access to their usual places of work.
Reports indicated that the fire affected residential buildings, shops, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked in the area.
Residents have appealed for government intervention and support as the community seeks to recover from the incident.
Although approximately 20 injuries were reported, the civil society organisation involved in the response said it had not independently confirmed any fatalities at the time of its statement.
The final number of people affected, the full extent of the damage and the precise cause of the explosion remained subject to further verification.
INVESTIGATION AND SAFETY MEASURES
The incident has renewed concerns about pipeline maintenance, leak reporting and emergency preparedness in communities located near oil and gas infrastructure.
Establishing whether warnings were received, what action followed and whether maintenance requirements were met will be important in determining responsibility.
A thorough investigation could also help identify measures needed to prevent similar incidents, including prompt responses to reported leaks, appropriate safety barriers, regular infrastructure inspections and clear communication with nearby communities.
For residents of Aleto, immediate priorities include medical care for the injured, support for displaced or affected households, and measures to ensure that the area is safe.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the explosion and determine whether any parties should be held accountable.