The Federal Government has launched an investigation into reports of gas seepage in Bille Community, Rivers State, and assured residents of their safety. Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that prompt and coordinated action has been taken to address the situation.
According to Ekpo, relevant regulatory agencies and operators have activated a joint response mechanism to determine the source and nature of the occurrence. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) are leading the investigation, with samples collected for laboratory analysis.
Preliminary assessments suggest no direct link between the bubbling and oil pollution, pipeline leakage, or other operational failures. However, the minister emphasized that final laboratory results are awaited for definitive scientific clarification.
Ekpo directed NUPRC to intensify technical investigations, undertake additional site visits, and maintain continuous monitoring of the affected locations. The safety of host communities, environmental protection, and residents’ wellbeing remain paramount to the Federal Government.
Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with regulatory authorities and technical teams conducting field investigations. The suspected gas leak has raised environmental and health concerns, contaminating drinking water sources and affecting daily life.
Environmental groups, including Amnesty International, have called for urgent action to identify and stop the leak before it escalates into a larger crisis.
