Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area are counting losses after a gas pipeline explosion injured over 20 people and destroyed more than 50 houses and several vehicles.
Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area are counting losses after a gas pipeline explosion injured over 20 people and destroyed more than 50 houses and several vehicles.
· Updated
A gas pipeline explosion in the Aleto community of Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, has left over 20 people injured and destroyed more than 50 houses and numerous vehicles. The incident occurred on Thursday, causing panic among residents who fled the area. The injured were transported to hospitals in Port Harcourt for medical attention.
Security operatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force have cordoned off the affected site to prevent further casualties. The Chairman of the Eleme Local Government Council, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, has urged the federal government to declare an emergency in the area.
Ollor also called on the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, to investigate the explosion and address the condition of the pipeline. He expressed concern over the recurring incidents, noting a previous gas leak along the same corridor weeks prior, raising questions about the infrastructure's integrity.
The paramount ruler of Eleme, King Philip Obele, described the event as a significant setback for a community that hosts critical oil and gas facilities, highlighting ongoing environmental and safety challenges faced by residents. Residents are demanding immediate government intervention, compensation for those affected, and a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion.
FAQ
What caused the explosion in Eleme?
The cause of the gas pipeline explosion is currently under investigation, but residents and community leaders suspect the aging infrastructure may be a factor.
What are the immediate demands of the Eleme community?
The community is demanding an emergency declaration for the area, compensation for affected households, medical assistance for victims, and a thorough investigation into the explosion.
