A coalition of civil society organizations, known as The People’s Assembly, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national environmental and public health emergency in Bille Kingdom, located in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. This request follows persistent gas eruptions in the area, which have reportedly claimed 11 lives and exposed residents to significant health risks.
The coalition urged that residents be relocated to safer locations immediately, and called for urgent medical assistance along with funding allocation to identify and contain the source of the gas leak, which continues to emit from creeks, boreholes, hand-dug wells, school grounds, and residential properties.
At a press conference in Port Harcourt, Dr. Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre and co-convener of The People’s Assembly, labeled the situation as a humanitarian disaster demanding federal action. She emphasized that inaction from the government could lead to further loss of life, highlighting the dangers posed to the community by the gas contamination.
The gas eruption has reportedly been ongoing since October 2025, resulting in repeated fires and explosions. Residents have encountered illnesses such as vomiting and breathing difficulties, and independent tests have shown unsafe levels of methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide in the community.
The coalition’s appeal was conveyed in an open letter addressed to multiple federal authorities, calling for a presidential task force to investigate the crisis. They expressed concerns over unsatisfactory progress, noting that investigations by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission have not pinpointed the source of the emissions.
During a meeting on October 17, 2026, NOSDRA’s Director-General reportedly acknowledged the agency’s financial limitations in addressing the situation effectively. The coalition insisted on a transparent release of soil and water testing results, asserting that the community has a right to be informed about the environmental hazards they face.
Dr. Prince Edegbuo from Social Action stated that the Federal Government needs to take immediate action to safeguard the community, demanding the provision of clean water, shelter, food, and healthcare for residents pending confirmation of the area’s safety.
Additionally, the coalition called for increased funding for NOSDRA and the activation of the regional Spill Command Centre, as well as the use of advanced technology to trace the gas source. They recommended suspending oil and gas operations in the affected regions until the eruption is adequately addressed.
Further advocacy includes ensuring that current and former operators of the Oil Mining Leases 18 and 24 are held accountable for the environmental damage and that affected residents receive proper compensation. The People’s Assembly also unveiled a campaign titled ‘No Clean-Up, No Vote’ aimed at mobilizing residents to demand actionable environmental plans from political candidates ahead of upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for accountability in the oil sector.
According to the coalition, the unresolved crisis in Bille could escalate into a national security issue if not treated as a priority, and they urge the government to prioritize the well-being of the community and serve as a model for future environmental emergencies in the Niger Delta.
