Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called for an urgent government intervention in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the death of a 29-year-old resident, Ms. Joy Amos, who suffered severe burns in a gas explosion.
Amos died on Tuesday, September 22, following her transfer from Bille to Port Harcourt for further medical treatment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, by Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer, CAPPA described her death as a grave consequence of what it termed the continuing environmental and public health emergency caused by unexplained gas emissions in the community.
The organisation said the explosion occurred at about 8 a.m. on September 3 inside Amos’ room at No. 18, Opu Ibiila Community, Bille, setting part of the building ablaze, shattering its windows and leaving her with extensive burns.
According to CAPPA, Amos, an Ogoni native, initially received treatment at a private clinic in Bille for about nine days, with her condition reportedly improving.
It said she was transferred to Port Harcourt on September 12 after a person identified by community members as Dr. Ndubisi Akpu, who reportedly claimed to be calling from the Ministry of Health, informed them that the government would take over her treatment.
The organisation said the community was informed on Tuesday that Amos had died and that her remains were reportedly being taken to Ogoni for burial.
CAPPA called for proper documentation and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, including an autopsy, particularly in view of the environmental conditions at the site of the explosion.
The organisation said information available to it indicated that Amos’ room continued to produce an apparent gas-bubbling sound beneath the cemented floor, accompanied by a noticeable gas-like odour.
It further said the incident was part of a wider emergency reported in Bille since October 2025.
CAPPA said during a field visit on July 6, it observed gas emissions from wells, boreholes, residential compounds, waterways and school grounds.
It added that government investigations had reportedly detected elevated levels of methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, as well as groundwater contamination and poor air quality.
Despite the reported findings, CAPPA said residents had yet to receive a comprehensive public explanation of the source of the emissions, a clear emergency response plan or adequate protection against further exposure.
The organisation also expressed concern over other recent health and fire incidents in the community.
It said Mrs. Tamunosiepribo Igani reportedly became dizzy and collapsed while walking to the waterside on September 12, sustaining a serious leg injury and requiring specialist treatment in Port Harcourt.
CAPPA also said a teacher at State School One, Bille, Ms. Deborah Adokiye Orlando, reportedly collapsed while carrying out her duties on Tuesday.
Two separate household fires were also reported in August and September, with the organisation linking the incidents to the broader safety concerns in the community.
CAPPA further raised concern over reports that some residents had begun collecting the emerging gas for use in powering generators, while others were reportedly digging around their homes in search of gas outlets for domestic energy.
It warned that such activities could expose residents to explosions, poisoning and other serious hazards.
CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said Amos’ death should compel authorities to treat the situation as a full-scale emergency.
“Joy Amos did not have to die. Her death followed months of warnings, confirmed environmental hazards and repeated appeals for government intervention,” Ibeh said.
She said Bille still lacked a comprehensive emergency plan, publicly identified coordinating authority and clear timetable for containing the emissions.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and relevant regulatory, health, environmental and emergency management agencies to establish a coordinated emergency response involving independent experts in environmental science, medicine, public health and emergency safety.
The organisation also demanded comprehensive hazard mapping and evacuation of households, schools and public facilities located in areas found to be unsafe.
It called for specialist medical care for Igani, medical assessment of the teacher who reportedly collapsed and free medical screening for residents, particularly children, pregnant women, older persons and those experiencing respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal or skin-related symptoms.
CAPPA also urged authorities to immediately suspend unsafe gas collection and use, while providing affected households with alternative electricity and cooking energy.
The organisation demanded continuous air, water and soil testing, a community-wide system for documenting fires, explosions, illnesses and injuries, as well as direct participation of Bille residents in investigations, emergency measures and remediation plans.
It further called for authorities to publicly identify the institutions responsible for coordinating the response and provide a clear timetable for investigation, medical intervention, social support and evacuation where necessary.
According to CAPPA, once the source of the emissions is established, authorities should ensure comprehensive remediation, compensation for affected residents and legal accountability.
Ibeh, while reiterating CAPPA’s previous warning in its documentary and report, Danger! Bille Is Highly Flammable, said the failure to urgently address the situation could lead to a major disaster.
She urged the authorities to act decisively, warning that the death of Amos could be an indication of potentially more serious consequences if the reported gas emissions are not contained.
