The Resource Justice Network (RJN), Rivers State Chapter, has called for an independent investigation into the gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, demanding compensation for victims and urgent measures to prevent a recurrence.
The organisation also urged the Federal and Rivers State governments, relevant regulatory agencies and the pipeline operator to provide emergency assistance to affected residents and ensure accountability for any negligence established by the investigation.
The explosion, which occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, along Old Bori Road in Aleto, reportedly damaged or destroyed about 50 houses and left approximately 20 people injured, while affecting shops, vehicles and other properties.
In an advocacy alert issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, October 17, the Rivers State Coordinator of RJN, Rita Kigbara, expressed concern over the incident’s impact on residents, businesses and livelihoods.
Although the cause of the explosion has not been officially established, the organisation said reports that residents had raised concerns about a possible gas leak before the incident required thorough investigation.
It called on the relevant authorities to determine whether prior warnings were received, assess the condition of the pipeline and establish whether operational failures or inadequate regulatory oversight contributed to the explosion.
NNPC Limited has confirmed that the affected pipeline belongs to its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited. The company also announced that emergency response procedures had been activated and the affected pipeline section isolated while assessments of the damage to residents, property and the environment were being conducted.
RJN said the incident had raised concerns about the safety of communities hosting oil and gas infrastructure, the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and the responsibility of companies and public institutions to protect residents.
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The organisation noted that Eleme hosts major industrial, oil and gas facilities, stressing that the economic importance of such infrastructure should not compromise the safety, health and livelihoods of host communities.
It added that the absence of confirmed fatalities would not diminish the seriousness of the incident, given the reported injuries, property destruction, potential displacement and disruption of economic activities.
As part of its demands, RJN called on NNPC and the Rivers State Government to provide medical care for injured persons and emergency support, including temporary shelter, to affected households.
It also urged relevant regulatory authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation and make the findings public, with appropriate legal action taken against any parties found responsible.
The group further demanded a transparent assessment of losses suffered by residents, traders and business owners, insisting that victims should receive appropriate compensation for verified property damage, medical expenses and other eligible losses.
RJN also called for a comprehensive safety audit of gas pipelines and associated infrastructure in Eleme and other vulnerable communities, with urgent repairs, rehabilitation or replacement of unsafe facilities where necessary.
The organisation specifically urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other relevant institutions to strengthen pipeline safety monitoring, environmental protection and public access to information about the investigation and remedial measures.
It also advocated community-based early warning and emergency response systems to enable residents to report gas leaks and other safety concerns, with prompt investigations and preventive action by the relevant authorities.
According to the organisation, the incident should not be treated as a temporary emergency requiring only immediate relief but as an opportunity to address infrastructure safety, strengthen regulatory oversight and establish effective accountability mechanisms.
RJN expressed solidarity with the affected residents of Aleto and called on all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to protect lives, restore livelihoods and prevent a recurrence.
