…Call for Immediate Evacuation as Residents Die, Collapse From Suspected Gas Exposure
Environmental rights advocates and scientific researchers have raised an urgent alarm over what they describe as an unfolding ecocide in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, calling for an immediate state of emergency, stoppage of gas leakage, and evacuation of residents.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the call followed an on-the-spot investigation led by Barrister Courage Nsirimofu, an environmental rights advocate and coordinator of PILEX Center for the Civic Education Initiative, alongside a team of scientific researchers who visited the community as eyewitnesses to ascertain the environmental damage.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that investigations carried out in various compounds visited revealed the presence of gas leaks and gas bubbling sounds. A sample of sparkling colourless water was also observed turning black after 15 seconds, indicating and confirming serious gas leakage in the Bille community.
These signs, according to the investigators, have unfolded in natural conflagration disasters in Bille Kingdom involving residents. One resident, Joy Amos, has been confirmed dead. A similar natural inferno occurred at the residence of Mr. Victor Deng, who narrated the narrow escape of his family while losing their business in the unforeseen gas explosion.
The latest incident involves Miss Deborah Orlando, a teacher at State School One, Bille, who reportedly collapsed after inhaling what was believed to be gas emanating from the environment.
The advocates described the development as “absolutely disheartening and a call for action” from the Rivers State Government and international bodies, warning that they cannot fold their hands while the community faces devastating changes and potential loss.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the specific claims about the deaths, gas leakage, and water samples have been attributed to the environmental rights advocates and researchers, and have not been independently verified by CDA News Nigeria. No official statement has been issued by the Rivers State Government or relevant agencies as of the time of filing this report.
Source verification: Original reporting based on investigation by Barrister Courage Nsirimofu, coordinator of PILEX Center for the Civic Education Initiative, and a team of scientific researchers. Claims has been independently verified.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting. Allegations are attributed to their source.
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