…Eleme leaders demand urgent replacement of obsolete facilities
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has promised to investigate the cause of Thursday’s gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, and take urgent steps to prevent a recurrence.
The Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, Mr. Audu Ibrahim, gave the assurance during a visit to the palace of the Oneh-Eh Eleme, King Philip Osaro Obele, following the incident, which raised concerns over the safety of residents and the environmental impact of the explosion.
Ibrahim expressed sympathy with the affected community and acknowledged concerns about environmental safety, public health and the livelihoods of residents living along the pipeline right-of-way.
He assured the traditional ruler and community that the company would investigate the cause of the explosion and address the situation.
The managing director also commended the monarch and the people of Aleto for maintaining peace in the aftermath of the incident, noting that their peaceful disposition would facilitate restitution and remediation of the affected area by.
Receiving Ibrahim and his entourage, the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, and the member representing Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Aforji Igwe Obe, expressed displeasure over the condition of the company’s facilities.
The two leaders described the infrastructure as obsolete and called for its urgent replacement to prevent further incidents, safeguard lives and property, and avert additional environmental damage.
They stressed the need for immediate action to address the concerns of the host community and ensure that the incident does not recur.
The explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area.
The company’s investigation is expected to establish the cause of the incident and inform measures to prevent similar occurrences.
As of the time of the announcement, no findings from the proposed investigation had been made public.
