The House of Representatives has demanded urgent action over the prolonged gas seepage in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following findings that toxic gases and petroleum-related pollutants have contaminated parts of the community.
The demand was made by the House Committee on South-South Development Commission during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Bille gas crisis and a legislative hearing on an oil spill affecting Odidi Federated Community in Delta State.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, said it was unacceptable for the Bille crisis to persist for about nine months without a clear solution, warning that it poses serious threats to the health, livelihoods and environment of residents.
Presenting technical findings, NOSDRA Director, Dr Yusuf Rigasa, disclosed that hydrogen sulphide, methane, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide were detected at several locations in Bille.
He said investigations also found multi-point subsurface gas bubbling, including at the premises of Government Primary and Secondary Schools, forcing the abandonment of the school.
According to him, air-quality tests conducted across 19 stations recorded elevated gas concentrations, while laboratory analysis also showed increased levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater, surface water and sediment.
Rigasa, however, said the exact source of the gas seepage remained unknown. Preliminary findings suggested it could be biogenic gas resulting from the decomposition of organic matter, although NUPRC is conducting a reservoir survey to determine whether the seepage is linked to an underground hydrocarbon reservoir.
The Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council said the crisis has disrupted fishing, water supply, education and healthcare. Its Secretary-General, Chief Luckyman Egbila, appealed for immediate provision of potable water and improved medical facilities.
Pondi said the Committee would demand concrete action rather than another round of promises, stressing that residents must be protected while efforts continue to determine the permanent solution to the crisis.
He also assured Bille and Odidi communities that the House would continue its oversight until appropriate measures are taken to address the environmental crises.
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