The Aleto community in Rivers State’s Eleme Local Government Area was rocked by an explosion that is thought to have been caused by a pipeline rupture. Some residents were hospitalized and nearby buildings were reportedly damaged.
The cause has not yet been independently determined, according to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC-Nigeria), which confirmed the incident on Thursday.
However, the organization claimed that the incident was connected to equipment failure at a nearby facility that was purportedly owned by an oil company.
In a statement issued on Thursday, YEAC-Nigeria Executive Director Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface said the organisation’s volunteers visited the scene to verify the incident and confirmed the presence of officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He said, “The incident, which is currently ongoing, has reportedly affected surrounding buildings, with some residents allegedly hospitalised as a result of its impact. As of the time of this statement, YEAC-Nigeria has not independently confirmed any fatalities.”
In order to ascertain the cause and scope of the incident, the environmental advocacy group requested that the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) identify the operator of the facility and carry out a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV).
Additionally, YEAC-Nigeria requested that the agency, where appropriate, invoke pertinent provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The organization stated that in order to determine accountability and guaranty suitable regulatory action, an independent investigation was required.
An investigation must be carried out to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. People should not continue to lose their lives and property day after day. This is deeply saddening and should never be allowed to happen. I sincerely sympathize with the affected Rivers community and pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
