A coalition of civil society organisations has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national environmental and public health emergency in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, over persistent gas eruptions reportedly linked to 11 deaths.
The coalition, under The People’s Assembly, also demanded the immediate relocation of residents, emergency medical assistance and funding to identify and contain the source of the gas, which continues to bubble from creeks, boreholes, wells, school grounds and residential compounds.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Dr Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, described the situation as a looming humanitarian disaster requiring urgent federal intervention.
She said the eruptions, which reportedly began in October 2025, had caused fires and explosions, while exposing residents to health risks, including breathing difficulties and vomiting.
The coalition said independent monitoring detected unsafe levels of methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide in the community.
In an open letter to federal authorities, the group called for a presidential task force, publication of preliminary soil and water test results, emergency funding for the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and temporary suspension of oil and gas operations in affected areas.
It also urged the government to relocate residents and provide safe shelters, clean water, food and healthcare until the community is declared safe.
Meanwhile, the coalition launched its “No Clean-Up, No Vote” campaign, urging political parties and candidates to commit to funded environmental remediation plans across the Niger Delta.
