Nigeria, Oct. 19 -- Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State are demanding compensation and an investigation into a gas pipeline explosion that reportedly injured 20 people and damaged more than 50 houses and shops.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) confirmed the explosion on Friday, saying it occurred on Thursday along a gas pipeline operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited.

The incident has raised concerns about residents' safety and how warnings about a suspected gas leak were handled before the explosion.

In footage reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, brownish substances billowed into the sky from the affected area, while people nearby ran for safety....