Nigeria: Many Injured, Houses Destroyed As Gas Pipeline Explodes in Rivers

What the report says

An explosion involving a gas pipeline in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, left many people injured and damaged several buildings, according to Daily Trust, which said the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. Residents said the fire started shortly after 2 p.m. and the blaze was still burning when the report was filed.

The outlet reported that injured residents were taken to hospitals for emergency care after fleeing the scene. No deaths had been confirmed at the time of publication. The report said the pipeline was believed by residents to be linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, though the exact cause had not been established.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) said it independently confirmed the explosion and sent volunteers to help with rescue efforts and verify the situation. Its executive director said officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present at the site. YEAC-Nigeria also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to identify the operator of the facility and carry out a joint investigation to determine what happened.

Separately, police and civil defence spokespersons told Daily Trust they would make enquiries but had not yet provided updates. The incident adds to wider concerns in oil-producing areas of Rivers State about pipeline safety, emergency response and the risks posed to nearby communities.