The Greenshield Foundation for Ecosystem Restoration and Wildlife Conservation has called for an independent investigation into a reported pipeline explosion in Aleto Community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, which allegedly left several people severely injured and damaged buildings.
The foundation also urged the Rivers State Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the incident and assess its impact on residents and the environment.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the foundation said the explosion occurred at about 2 p.m. and reportedly involved an oil pipeline belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), with gas visibly escaping from the affected area.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Muekara Monday, said volunteers deployed to the scene for firsthand observations reported severe injuries, damage to buildings and significant environmental impact.
However, the foundation noted that it had not independently confirmed any fatalities as of the time of issuing the statement, adding that the total number of people affected remained unknown.
It called on the relevant authorities to establish the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The foundation also demanded a comprehensive environmental impact assessment to determine the extent of damage and possible contamination of the soil, water and surrounding ecosystems.
It further urged the authorities to establish the number of people injured, affected or displaced, as well as assess the damage to homes, properties, livelihoods and the natural environment.
Expressing concern over the incident, the foundation said communities in Ogoni and other parts of the Niger Delta continued to bear the consequences of oil exploration, with residents whose livelihoods depend on the environment often suffering the adverse effects of petroleum-related activities.
It also raised concerns over the Federal Government’s push to resume oil exploration in Ogoni, insisting that the Aleto incident must not be treated as another statistic.
According to the foundation, residents of Aleto and neighbouring communities deserve clear answers about what happened, the cause of the explosion, those responsible, the extent of the damage and the measures required to prevent a recurrence.
The organisation stressed the need for transparency and accountability in handling the incident, particularly in view of the environmental and socioeconomic challenges confronting oil-producing communities.
It pledged to continue monitoring developments and engaging with affected residents and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights and welfare of the people were protected.
The statement was signed by Muekara Monday, Executive Director of the Greenshield Foundation for Ecosystem Restoration and Wildlife Conservation, on October 15, 2026.
