Residents demand probe, compensation after Eleme gas pipeline explosion
Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State are demanding an investigation and compensation after a gas-pipeline explosion reportedly injured about 20 people and damaged more than 50 homes and shops.
NNPC Limited confirmed that the explosion occurred on October 15 on a gas pipeline belonging to its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited.
The company said it activated emergency-response procedures and isolated the affected pipeline segment to reduce further risk.
NNPC also said it was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, security agencies and other relevant bodies to assess the impact on residents, property and the environment.
Residents report injuries and property damage
Current reporting places the incident along Old Bori Road in Aleto.
About 20 people were reportedly injured, while more than 50 houses, shops and other properties were said to have been damaged.
Vehicles and businesses, including a mechanic workshop, were also reported affected.
Those figures have appeared across multiple reports, but NNPC has not issued a final consolidated casualty or property-damage tally.
The Rivers State Government has also inspected the site and confirmed that people were injured and property was damaged.
Community alleges earlier leak warnings
Residents and community leaders allege that signs of a gas leak had been reported before the explosion.
Some residents said the pipeline had been leaking for weeks, while local leaders said concerns had previously been raised with relevant authorities.
The King of Eleme, Emere Dr Philip Osaro Obele, also alleged that earlier warnings had not received an adequate response.
Those claims remain allegations.
IDNN has not independently established that NNPC, NGIC or any regulator received and ignored a warning directly linked to the pipeline section that later exploded.
NNPC says cause remains under investigation
NNPC said the cause of the explosion and the full extent of the damage were still being assessed.
The company also said previous reports and actions would be reviewed as part of efforts to establish what happened.
That review will be central to determining whether warnings were received, what response followed and whether any failure contributed to the incident.
No finding of negligence has been established.
Residents seek compensation and independent probe
Residents and civil-society groups are calling for compensation, emergency support and an independent investigation.
The Resource Justice Network has urged authorities and the operator to support affected residents and ensure accountability if negligence is eventually established.
Rivers State officials have also inspected the affected community to assess damage and immediate needs.
Accountability questions remain
For residents, the immediate consequences are injuries, damaged homes and businesses, and disruption to livelihoods.
For NNPC, NGIC and regulators, the unresolved questions are whether earlier leak reports were received, what action followed, what caused the rupture and how affected residents will be supported.
Those questions remain open pending investigation.
