The Federal Government has been urged to declare a national environmental and public health emergency in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following a prolonged gas eruption threatening lives and livelihoods.
The call was made by the People’s Assembly and Bille Working Group during a press briefing, where they demanded the immediate relocation of residents to safer areas pending the containment of the gas leak.
The group said gas has been bubbling from wells, boreholes, creeks and residential compounds since October 2025, resulting in explosions, illnesses and reported deaths.
It also called for emergency funding to investigate and stop the leak, provide clean drinking water, deploy medical teams and hold responsible oil operators accountable.
As part of its demands, the group announced a “No Clean-Up, No Vote” campaign across the Niger Delta, urging political parties and candidates to present clear and time-bound plans for environmental clean-up and restoration of polluted communities.
It warned that the people of the Niger Delta would judge political parties by their commitment to environmental justice rather than campaign promises.
