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.
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.
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. 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