NNPC has isolated a gas pipeline after an explosion in Rivers State reportedly injured 20 people and damaged about 50 houses as investigations begin.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it has begun emergency response procedures after an explosion on a gas pipeline belonging to its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement on Friday, NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday, October 15.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of injuries and damage to homes and businesses. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families. Protecting lives and preventing further harm are our immediate priorities,” the statement reads.
The Company’s Response
NNPC said NGIC had activated its emergency response procedures and isolated the affected pipeline segment to limit further impact. It said NGIC was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), security agencies and other stakeholders to coordinate the response and assess the effect on people, property and the environment.
“We are also engaging the host community leadership to understand immediate needs and coordinate appropriate support for those affected,” the statement said.
Odeh said the cause of the explosion and the full extent of its impact were still being assessed. He said relevant operational information, including previous reports and actions taken, would be reviewed to establish the circumstances of the incident, and that the company would work with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and decide on corrective measures.
He urged residents and the public to “keep clear of the affected area and follow safety instructions from emergency responders and the relevant authorities.”
NNPC said it remained committed to the safety of host communities, environmental protection and the responsible operation of its facilities, and that further updates would follow as verified information became available.
What Residents and Local Officials Say
At least 20 people were reported injured and about 50 houses damaged, according to reports from the scene. Some outlets put the number of damaged properties at more than 50, including cars and businesses. Injured residents were taken to hospital for treatment. No deaths had been confirmed at the time of reports.
Residents said the explosion happened along Old Bori Road. Reports differ on the time, with some saying shortly after 2pm and others around 5pm.
Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, who visited the scene, said he had earlier written to the company about a reported leak on another section of the same pipeline and had petitioned the authorities to intervene. One resident told journalists the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. These claims have not been verified, and NNPC has not responded to them. Its statement said only that previous reports and actions would be reviewed.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), which sent volunteers to the area to help with rescue and verify the incident, confirmed the explosion and said it had not independently confirmed any deaths. Its executive director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said the cause had not been independently verified, though preliminary reports pointed to a pipeline rupture linked to equipment failure. He called on the Rivers State government, the federal government and environmental agencies to help the people of Aleto. Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were reported at the scene.
The reported injuries, the damage, and allegations that the pipeline had been leaking for weeks have increased calls for a full investigation and for steps to protect residents of Aleto.
