Leaders of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have called for the urgent replacement of ageing gas pipeline facilities operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), following Thursday’s explosion in Aleto community.
The call was made on Saturday when the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, Engr. Audu Ibrahim, visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Eleme, His Majesty King Dr. Philip Osaro Obele, JP, Oneh-Eh Eleme XI, to commiserate with the community over the incident.
The council’s media team in a statement said, during the visit, Ibrahim expressed sympathy with the affected residents and assured them that the company would urgently investigate the cause of the explosion and take necessary steps to prevent a recurrence.
He also commended the traditional ruler and the Aleto community for maintaining peace, noting that their cooperation would facilitate restitution and remediation of the affected site.
Receiving the NNPC delegation, the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, and the Member representing Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Aforji Igwe Obe, expressed displeasure over the company’s operations and raised concerns about the condition of its facilities.
The two leaders described the facilities as obsolete and called for their immediate replacement to safeguard lives, protect the environment and prevent further incidents.
They also stressed the need for urgent action to address safety concerns affecting residents living along the pipeline right-of-way.
The explosion has raised concerns about environmental safety, public health and the livelihoods of residents in the affected community.
The visit was aimed at addressing the concerns of the community and outlining steps towards investigating the incident and preventing a recurrence.
