CAPPA Calls State of Emergency in Bille Over Gas Crisis

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has demanded a state of emergency in Bille community, Rivers State, due to escalating gas emissions, unsafe water, and significant health risks to residents. CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi made this call during a presentation in Abuja of the documentary and report titled "Bille Is Highly Flammable." Since October 2025, residents have reported gas bubbling from various locations, including wells and school grounds, alongside polluted air and contaminated water.

A field visit by CAPPA on July 6, 2026, revealed alarming health issues among residents, such as respiratory problems and persistent itching. Timothy Agunbiade, Vice President of the Bille Kingdom Youth Federation, noted that reported gas leakage points have surged from two to approximately 7,000, endangering over 70,000 residents.

CAPPA is urging for the release of environmental test results, a comprehensive audit of local oil and gas infrastructure, emergency healthcare, and safe water access, warning that the situation has escalated into a public health and environmental justice emergency.