PORT HARCOURT — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) confirmed on Friday evening, October 16, 2026, that it activated emergency response measures and isolated a gas pipeline segment following a major explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The blast occurred at approximately 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, along Old Bori Road, on a facility operated by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC). The inferno injured over 20 people and destroyed more than 50 residential homes and commercial structures.
In an official statement released in Abuja, NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh expressed deep concern over the reported casualties and property destruction, adding that emergency technical crews immediately isolated the affected pipeline section to prevent further hazards.
“NGIC has activated its emergency response procedures and isolated the affected pipeline segment to limit further impact,” Odeh stated. “We are working with regulatory agencies, security personnel, and host community leadership to address immediate needs, assess damage, and determine the root cause.”
Meanwhile, community leaders and youth representatives alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for nearly three weeks prior to Thursday’s rupture, claiming that formal petitions sent to regulatory authorities went unheeded before the explosion.
NNPC urged residents to clear the blast zone and strictly comply with safety directives from emergency responders.
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