FROM CLARICE AZUATALAM, PORT HARCOURT.
As countries across the globe mark # World EnvironmentDay, people are reminded that the environment is not merely the land beneath our feet; it is our source of life, our heritage, our identity, and our future.
In a Statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday by Kebetkache Organisation in commemoration of this year’s environment day, people are reminded to shine a spotlight on the ongoing environmental and humanitarian crisis plaguing Bille Kingdom in Degema local government area of Rivers State, where an underground gas eruption that began in late 2025 continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and the very future of the community.
The statement said that “for months, residents have lived under constant fear and uncertainty as gas bubbles emerge from the earth, raising concerns about public safety, environmental health, and the long-term habitability of the area.
“Families have seen their livelihoods disrupted, access to clean water compromised, and their peace of mind shattered.”
The statement stressed that “𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, and the community cannot continue to bear this burden alone.”
Kebetkache which is an environment non- governmental organisation said it joins community members and environmental justice advocates in calling for immediate and coordinated action by government agencies, responsible companies, and relevant stakeholders to halt the underground gas eruption, ensure comprehensive environmental and health assessments, provide adequate compensation and livelihood support for affected residents, and guarantee access to safe drinking water.
“As we advocate for justice and restoration, we also reaffirm our commitment to rebuilding ecological resilience through our 5 Million Mangroves Campaign, recognizing that restoring degraded ecosystems is critical to protecting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and securing a healthier future for the Niger Delta and its people.”
Furthermore, the organisation enjoined “governments, oil companies, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to move beyond promises and take deliberate action to protect our environment, restore degraded ecosystems, and ensure that communities like Bille are not left behind.”