About 20 people were reportedly injured when a gas pipeline exploded in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday evening.
The explosion damaged homes and businesses along Old Bori Road. Residents were taken to hospitals, while stalls, a mechanic workshop and vehicles were among the properties affected.
The leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, said more than 50 houses and cars had been damaged, according to Vanguard and Punch.
The explosion was reported at around 5 p.m. Residents quoted by Channels TV alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks and that earlier warnings had not led to adequate action.
Chuma said he had written to the Nigeria Gas Company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, copying the police. He said the council had requested a joint investigation before the explosion.
The pipeline was described in those reports as belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company. However, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, called on NOSDRA to identify the facility operator and establish the cause through a joint investigation.
YEAC-Nigeria said it had not independently confirmed any fatalities and that the cause remained unverified. Its volunteers reported seeing Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel at the scene.
Chuma said community members had cordoned off the affected area and advised residents to keep away to avoid further danger.
Sources: Channels TV, Punch, Vanguard
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