Groups urge urgent action over environmental crisis in Rivers community
Civil society organisations and environmentalists have called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. Isaac Osuoka, Executive Director of Social Action, described the ongoing gas seepage and water pollution as a threat to residents’ lives. Prominent activist Ann-Kio Briggs and other community leaders criticised the government’s lack of response. Residents protested, highlighting the loss of livelihoods and unsafe living conditions.
What we know
- Isaac Osuoka said gas bubbling and water pollution have persisted for more than six months, contaminating drinking sources and endangering lives.
- Residents and CSOs protested, displaying placards about the destruction of mangroves, loss of fishing and farming, and poisoned water.
- Ann-Kio Briggs described the situation as dangerous and criticised the Federal Government for failing to act, despite repeated appeals.
- The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission were accused of inaction.
- Datolu Sukubo, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone), condemned the lack of comprehensive environmental studies and government negligence.
