Civil Society Groups Urge Emergency Declaration in Rivers

A coalition of civil society organizations, under The People’s Assembly, 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. This request follows persistent gas eruptions in the area, which have allegedly resulted in 11 deaths and exposed residents to severe health risks.

The coalition demands immediate relocation of residents, emergency medical intervention, and funding to identify and contain the gas leak source. Dr Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, described the situation as a looming humanitarian disaster requiring urgent federal intervention.

The gas eruption, which reportedly began around October 2025, has caused repeated fires and explosions, leading to health issues among residents, including vomiting and breathing difficulties. The coalition's concerns were articulated in an open letter to federal authorities, calling for a presidential task force to investigate the crisis, which has disrupted economic activities and worsened poverty in the community.