At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses damaged after a gas pipeline exploded in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggering a fire that spread to nearby properties.

The explosion occurred around 5pm on Thursday along Old Bori Road after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured, leaving residents scrambling for safety.

Several victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, while shops, a mechanic workshop and vehicles parked in the area were also affected by the incident.

Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion, raising concerns over the handling of the reported fault and warnings allegedly issued to the company.

A resident identified as Stanley said the incident caused extensive damage to properties and injured people in the community.

He alleged that community leaders had previously notified the company about the leak but that adequate measures were not taken to prevent the explosion.

Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, said he had written to the company over the reported leak and petitioned relevant authorities for intervention.

Chuma also said the community had sought the involvement of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, with the police copied in the petition.

He expressed concern that no representative of the company had visited the scene following the explosion, according to reports.

Community members subsequently cordoned off the affected area and warned residents to keep their distance to prevent further casualties.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) also called for urgent intervention by the Rivers State and Federal Governments, alongside relevant environmental agencies, to assist affected residents.

The organisation’s executive director, Fyneface Dumnamene, said the explosion had affected surrounding buildings and left several people hospitalised. He urged the authorities to provide assistance to the community.

YEAC-Nigeria also called for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the operator’s responsibilities.

The cause of the explosion had not been independently established, while the Rivers State Police Command had not immediately confirmed the incident.

The explosion has left residents of Aleto community facing injuries and property losses, amid allegations that the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the incident.