Environmental group, HOMEF demands shutdown of unsafe pipelines after Aleto gas explosion
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called for the immediate shutdown and decommissioning of unsafe gas pipelines following an explosion in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers.
The ecology focused mon-goverental organisation also advocated an independent investigation into the incident, accountability for negligence and compensation for residents whose properties and livelihoods were affected.
The call is contained in a statement Kome Odhomor, HOMEF’s Media and Communications Lead on Monday, following the explosion on Oct. 15.
The explosion, involving a pipeline operated by the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., damaged homes, shops and vehicles, and injured residents.
HOMEF said its visit to the affected community on Oct. 16 revealed reports of a suspected gas leak along the same pipeline corridor before the explosion.
It quoted Mr Woke John Ebie, Aleto Youth President and Secretary of the Eleme Youth Council Worldwide, as saying residents had reported an earlier leak to NGIC.
According to Ebie, company representatives visited the location and erected a barricade, but the explosion occurred the following day.
The organisation said the account raised concerns about the operator’s response to reported safety warnings, pipeline maintenance and regulatory oversight.
It also cited the Eleme Local Government Chairman, Mr Obarilomate Ollor, as calling for a comprehensive assessment of the pipeline network.
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, relief materials for victims and the replacement of ageing infrastructure where necessary.
HOMEF said victims had reported losses to their businesses and personal belongings, worsening the economic hardship faced by affected households.
It quoted Esther Victor Bright, a shop owner, as saying she lost goods and a point-of-sale bag containing about N100,000 while fleeing the explosion.
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.
HOMEF said the incident highlighted the risks faced by communities hosting petroleum infrastructure and the need to prioritise residents’ safety.
It called on the Federal Government to direct NGIC, NNPC Ltd. and relevant regulators to investigate the explosion and publish their findings.
The organisation also demanded a comprehensive integrity assessment of the affected pipeline corridor before operations resume.
It said pipelines found unsafe for continued use should be decommissioned or removed, rather than subjected to repeated repairs.
HOMEF further urged regulators to investigate possible operational failures and impose appropriate sanctions where negligence or breaches of safety obligations were established.
The organisation called for medical care and fair compensation for injured residents and those whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were damaged.
It also demanded community participation in safety assessments, monitoring and decisions affecting residents.
HOMEF maintained that responsibility for preventing industrial disasters rested with pipeline operators and regulatory institutions, not communities forced to endure the consequences of infrastructure failures.
