In Rivers State, a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area, reportedly injured at least 20 people and destroyed about 50 houses on Thursday evening.
In Edo State, a tanker explosion in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, left 11 people, including a pregnant woman, with varying degrees of burns. Five people were also feared dead, although authorities had not confirmed any fatalities as of Thursday evening.
The injured victims in Edo were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment. The incidents also destroyed shops, vehicles and other property worth millions of naira, leaving traders counting their losses.
The Rivers explosion occurred around 5pm along Old Bori Road in Aleto. Reports linked the incident to a leak from a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company.
A resident identified as Stanley alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. He said community leaders had notified the company but claimed that no adequate action was taken.
The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, said he had written to the company and petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment for urgent intervention.
Chuma said the explosion destroyed more than 50 houses and vehicles, while several victims were taken to hospital. He added that community members had cordoned off the area and urged residents to stay away.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) called on authorities to identify the facility operator and conduct a joint investigation into the incident. Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, said the fire was still burning when the organisation issued its statement.
In Edo, Federal Road Safety Corps State Commander Preye Ezekiel Bedford said 11 casualties had been reported but that information about any deaths remained unconfirmed. Emergency teams continued efforts to control the fire and manage the aftermath.
Bedford warned against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the practice as dangerous. Meanwhile, market trader Madam Grace said her son suffered burns, while several traders lost property worth millions of naira.
