The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called for the decommissioning of ageing and unsafe pipelines across the Niger Delta following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, which reportedly damaged homes, shops and vehicles and injured residents.
In a statement issued by HOMEF’s Media and Communications Lead, Kome Odhomor, following the October 15 incident, the environmental organisation also demanded an independent investigation, accountability for any established negligence, and compensation for residents whose properties and livelihoods were affected.
Key Highlights
- HOMEF demands the shutdown and decommissioning of unsafe, ageing pipelines following the Aleto explosion.
- The explosion reportedly damaged homes, shops and vehicles and injured residents.
- Community representatives alleged that a gas leak had been reported before the incident.
- Eleme leaders called for an investigation, medical assistance and relief for affected residents.
- HOMEF demands a comprehensive pipeline integrity assessment before operations resume.
- The organisation calls for fair compensation and sanctions if negligence or safety violations are established.
HOMEF Raises Alarm Over Aleto Pipeline Explosion
HOMEF said a visit to the affected community on October 16 revealed accounts of a suspected gas leak along the same pipeline corridor before the explosion.
The organisation quoted Woke John Ebie, Aleto Youth President and Secretary of the Eleme Youth Council Worldwide, as saying residents had reported an earlier leak to the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited.
According to Ebie, company representatives visited the location and erected a barricade, but the explosion occurred the following day.
HOMEF said the account raised serious questions about the response to reported safety warnings, pipeline maintenance and regulatory oversight.
The allegations require investigation by the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances leading to the explosion and determine whether any safety procedures were breached.
Eleme Chairman Calls for Investigation of Ageing Pipeline
The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Obarilomate Ollor, also called for a comprehensive assessment of the pipeline network following the incident.
HOMEF said Ollor expressed concern that the pipeline could be at least 50 years old and urged the Federal Government to investigate the explosion.
He also called for medical assistance for injured residents, relief materials for affected households and the replacement of ageing infrastructure where necessary.
The call has renewed concerns about the condition of petroleum infrastructure in communities across the Niger Delta, where residents face potential risks associated with pipeline leaks, explosions and environmental pollution.
Aleto Residents Count Losses After Explosion
HOMEF said residents reported losses involving businesses, personal belongings and other property following the explosion.
The organisation quoted Esther Victor Bright, a shop owner, as saying she lost goods and a point-of-sale bag containing about ₦100,000 while fleeing the incident.
The losses have added to the hardship facing affected households, particularly residents whose businesses and sources of income were disrupted.
HOMEF called for a fair assessment of the damage and appropriate compensation for people whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected.
Eleme Traditional Ruler Seeks Urgent Government Intervention
The Paramount Ruler of Aleto and King of Eleme, King Dr Philip Osaro Obele, also called for urgent government intervention over recurring pipeline incidents.
Obele urged the government to declare a state of emergency across Eleme Local Government Area, citing concerns about pollution, unsafe drinking water and other environmental problems.
His appeal highlights broader concerns about environmental safety, public health and the condition of infrastructure in communities hosting oil and gas facilities.
Read also:
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HOMEF Demands Pipeline Integrity Tests and Accountability
HOMEF called on the Federal Government to direct NGIC, NNPC Limited and relevant regulatory agencies to investigate the explosion and publish their findings. NNPC had earlier activated an emergency response to the Eleme explosion.
The organisation also demanded a comprehensive integrity assessment of the affected pipeline corridor before operations resume.
It argued that pipelines found unsafe for continued use should be decommissioned or removed rather than subjected to repeated repairs without addressing underlying safety concerns.
HOMEF further urged regulators to investigate possible operational failures and impose appropriate sanctions if negligence or breaches of safety obligations are established.
The organisation said responsibility for preventing industrial disasters rests with pipeline operators and regulatory institutions, which must ensure that infrastructure is properly maintained and safety warnings are addressed promptly.
HOMEF Calls for Compensation and Community Participation
Beyond investigating the cause of the explosion, HOMEF called for medical care for injured residents and fair compensation for people whose properties, businesses and livelihoods were damaged.
It also urged authorities to involve host communities in safety assessments, environmental monitoring and decisions affecting their welfare.
According to the organisation, communities living near petroleum infrastructure should not be left to bear the consequences of infrastructure failures without adequate protection, support and accountability.
The Aleto explosion has renewed calls for stronger pipeline monitoring, transparent investigations and urgent action to protect communities across the Niger Delta from preventable industrial incidents.
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