Fubara Sends Relief To Bille As Gas Emission Crisis Deepens

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stepped up intervention efforts in Bille Kingdom with the release of ₦100m to cushion the impact of a troubling gas emission crisis that has plagued the riverine community for months.

The governor’s response came during an official visit to the affected area in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday, though he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma.

Addressing anxious residents, the state government acknowledged the severity of the environmental degradation, which has reportedly contaminated both land and water sources since November 2025.

The administration pledged urgent relief measures, including the provision of clean drinking water and immediate medical support for affected residents.

Wokoma conveyed the governor’s message, assuring the community that the situation has not gone unnoticed. He emphasized that while the ₦100 million intervention is intended to provide immediate relief, the government remains focused on identifying and addressing the root cause of the emissions.

“The governor is deeply concerned about the health and well-being of Bille people. Though he could not be physically present, he is fully engaged and determined to ensure a lasting solution,” he said.

Residents, however, painted a grim picture of life in the community. Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, Bennet Dokubo, described the phenomenon as both strange and dangerous, warning of its potential health implications.

“If you go out on the river, the entire environment is bubbling and emitting foul smells. This is something we have never witnessed before. It is not safe for our people,” Dokubo lamented, urging the government to act swiftly and decisively.

The visit also featured an on-the-spot assessment of some of the impacted sites, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for coordinated environmental and public health responses.
While the state government has promised not to relent, residents say time is of the essence as the unusual emissions continue to threaten livelihoods and safety in the coastal community.