Rivers Gas Pipeline Explosion Injures 20, Destroys Over 50 Houses in Eleme Community

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At least 20 people have been injured and more than 50 houses destroyed by fire following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, along Old Bori Road. The affected pipeline is reportedly owned by the Nigeria Gas Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).

Several victims, including traders and passers-by, were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment following the incident.

The explosion also destroyed market stalls, a mechanic workshop and several vehicles parked around the affected area, leaving residents worried about the extent of the damage and the safety of their community.

Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking gas for approximately three weeks before the explosion.

A resident identified as Stanley told journalists that the leak had persisted before the incident occurred.

“This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said the community had previously written to the company responsible for the pipeline and petitioned relevant government agencies over the reported leak.

According to Chuma, the community had contacted the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, with the police also copied in the correspondence.

He said the community had requested a joint investigation into the situation but remained uncertain about the actions taken before the explosion.

“We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left. Today we were called to an explosion involving the same pipeline… which has destroyed over 50 houses and cars, with many casualties,” Chuma said.

The incident was also confirmed by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), an environmental advocacy organisation monitoring oil and gas-related incidents in the Niger Delta.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said volunteers who visited the scene found officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the location.

Fyneface said no fatalities had been confirmed as of the time of the report. He called on NOSDRA to establish the identity of the pipeline operator and conduct a Joint Investigation Visit to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The call for an investigation comes amid residents’ allegations that the pipeline leak had been reported weeks before the disaster.

The fire has reportedly been brought under control, but concerns remain over the safety of residents and the possibility of further risks associated with the damaged pipeline.

Authorities are yet to issue a detailed official statement establishing the exact cause of the explosion or clarifying whether any preliminary investigation had been conducted before the incident.

The extent of the destruction, the number of people requiring continued medical care and the circumstances surrounding the reported leak are expected to be key issues for investigators.

The incident has renewed concerns about pipeline safety, emergency response and the need for prompt action when communities report suspected gas leaks in oil and gas-producing areas of the Niger Delta.