Gas
Gas pipeline explosion injures 20 and razes 50 houses in Rivers
An explosion on a Nigeria Gas Company pipeline in Rivers State has injured 20 people and destroyed over 50 homes.
Key points
- At least 20 people were injured and over 50 houses razed in the Aleto community of Eleme Local Council.
- Residents reported conflicting accounts, citing either pipeline vandalism or a long-standing gas leak.
- Local authorities stated they had previously petitioned agencies regarding leaks on the pipeline.
What happened
At least 20 people have been injured and more than 50 houses destroyed following a gas pipeline explosion in the Aleto community of Eleme Local Council in Rivers State, according to The Guardian Nigeria News. The incident occurred on a Thursday evening along Old Bori Road and involved a ruptured pipeline operated by the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC).
The explosion affected nearby stalls, a mechanic workshop, and parked vehicles, with injured victims rushed to local hospitals. Passers-by and business owners accounted for many of the casualties.
Differing accounts and official responses
Residents offered conflicting explanations for the blast. While some local accounts blamed pipeline vandals, others maintained that the infrastructure had been leaking for approximately three weeks prior to the incident.
Daniel Chuma, Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, stated that local representatives had previously written to the company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and the police regarding a leakage on the section.
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) called on federal and state authorities to assist affected residents. Executive Director Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene urged NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and conduct a joint investigation visit, noting that the cause of the incident required independent verification.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
21.9% of electricity in the world came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
