At least 20 people have reportedly been injured and about 50 houses damaged following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at about 5pm on Thursday after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured along Old Bori Road in Aleto.
Several victims were reportedly taken to hospitals for treatment. The blast also damaged market stalls and a mechanic workshop where vehicles were parked.
Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. They said community leaders had notified the company about the leak but that adequate measures were not taken to address the problem.
Those affected reportedly included passers-by and traders operating in the area.
Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, who visited the scene, said he had written to the company about the leak and petitioned relevant authorities, but no concrete steps were taken to prevent the explosion.
Chuma also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene since the incident.
He added that community members had taken measures to secure the area and prevent further casualties.
A video circulating on social media shows residents fleeing the scene of the explosion.
Blessing Agabe, the police spokesperson in Rivers State, was reportedly unavailable for immediate confirmation of the incident.