Eleme Gas Explosion: HOMEF Calls for Immediate Shutdown of Hazardous Pipelines
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has condemned the gas pipeline explosion in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, calling for an
Eleme, a major hub for oil and gas infrastructure in Rivers State, hosts refineries, petrochemical plants and a dense network of pipelines that have long been a source of environmental and safety concerns for host communities. Pipeline explosions and gas leaks in the Niger Delta are a recurring problem, often blamed on ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, vandalism or illegal tapping, and they have repeatedly raised questions about the capacity of regulators and operators to safeguard nearby residents.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) is an environmental advocacy group known for pushing back against oil and gas pollution in the Niger Delta and demanding stronger accountability from government and industry. Both reports agree that HOMEF is demanding the Federal Government shut down hazardous pipelines following the Aleto explosion, with Premium Times adding that a suspected gas leak had reportedly been flagged in the area before the blast occurred. Neither account yet specifies casualty figures, the pipeline operator involved, or what action, if any, authorities have taken in response to HOMEF's call.