Traditional rulers in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, have renewed calls for urgent government intervention over the prolonged gas leak affecting the area, warning that the health and safety of residents are deteriorating.
The Secretary of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Luckyman Igila, made the appeal in an interview with our correspondent, expressing concern over the worsening impact of the environmental crisis on the community.
According to Igila, children are among the worst affected, with many reportedly developing health complications while the community continues to lack adequate medical personnel to provide treatment. 
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures, warning that the persistent bubbling of gas poses a serious fire risk if immediate action is not taken.
Meanwhile, a Professor of Adult and Environmental Education at the University of Port Harcourt, Mbalisi Festus, described the incident as an environmental emergency requiring swift intervention to avert a potential disaster.
Professor Festus, who recently visited Bille Community to assess the situation firsthand, disclosed that he is still recovering from health complications he experienced after the visit, underscoring the severity of the gas leak and its impact on human health.
