The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has called on the Rivers State Government and the operator responsible for the Aleto gas pipeline explosion to provide free orthopaedic treatment for victims who sustained bone fractures, dislocations and other injuries.
The organisation also urged the state government and relevant agencies to conduct a medical audit of those injured in the October 15, 2026, explosion in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Fyneface, made the call on Monday to mark World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day and World Humanitarian Action Day, in Port Harcourt.
According to the him, a verification visit to the explosion scene on October 16 revealed reports of residents who sustained various injuries when the blast affected buildings in the community.
He expressed particular concern about children, elderly persons and residents who were inside affected buildings when the explosion occurred.
The organisation said some victims were reportedly still receiving care at home because they could not afford hospital bills, warning that untreated musculoskeletal injuries could result in permanent disabilities, particularly among children whose bones and joints were still developing.
YEAC-Nigeria called on the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to include a comprehensive medical assessment of the victims, with particular attention to bone and joint injuries, in the Joint Investigation Visit to the incident.
It also urged Nigeria Gas Company Limited (NGC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, and the Rivers State Government to provide free and comprehensive orthopaedic care for all victims, including diagnostic examinations, X-rays, surgery and physiotherapy where necessary.
The group further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian organisations to provide emergency assistance, including shelter for families whose homes were damaged by the explosion.
On accountability, YEAC-Nigeria reiterated its demand for NOSDRA to establish the identity of the facility’s operator and ensure that the appropriate legal and regulatory measures were taken.
It specifically urged the relevant authorities to apply applicable provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to promote safety, accountability and compensation for affected residents.
Fyneface said the commemoration of World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day should serve as a reminder of the need to protect children and other vulnerable residents suffering from injuries sustained in the industrial incident.
He stressed that victims should not be left without adequate medical attention because of their inability to pay for treatment.
The organisation maintained that affected residents deserved timely medical care, humanitarian assistance and accountability for the incident.
“Human lives must not be treated as expendable,” the statement said.
