Ijaw Youth Council Warns of Gas Disaster in Bille Kingdom

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has expressed grave concerns regarding a gas disaster in Bille Kingdom, River State, which has plunged the community into a humanitarian crisis since November 2025. High-pressure natural gas emissions from surrounding water facilities have contaminated drinking water and polluted the air.

Emeka Idika Kalu, head of the media unit for the IYC, reported that residents are facing severe health issues and economic hardship, with public schools closed as a precautionary measure. The community's primary livelihood, fishing, has drastically reduced due to the gas emissions, exacerbating economic difficulties.

The IYC, led by Amb. Princ Datolu Sukubo, has called for immediate government intervention, warning of an imminent gas explosion risk. They have urged the River State government to declare a public health emergency and have appealed to the federal government and NNPC to limit operations in the area.

The IYC has threatened to shut down oil and gas operations if their demands are not met, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect the community.