The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed humanitarian assistance and technical support to communities affected by gas seepage in Rivers and Delta states, following concerns over environmental damage, public safety and residents’ livelihoods.
The intervention covers Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State and Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The agency said the measures were designed to address the immediate needs of affected residents while supporting technical investigations to determine the causes and potential dangers associated with the gas emissions.
NEMA distributes relief materials to affected Rivers community
In Rivers State, NEMA recently provided relief materials to residents of Bille Community following an assessment of the reported gas-seepage incident.
The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, was represented during the exercise by Chidi Ogundu, Head of NEMA’s Port Harcourt Operations Office.
Ogundu coordinated the distribution and led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Bille Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Igbikingeri Ngowari Cornelius.
During the visit, he conveyed the agency’s sympathy and solidarity with the monarch and residents affected by the incident.
He explained that the Federal Government’s intervention was intended to provide immediate humanitarian support to households experiencing difficulties as a result of the gas seepage.
The relief package included essential food supplies and other basic materials to help reduce the hardship faced by affected families.
Representatives of the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RISEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other relevant stakeholders participated in the distribution exercise.
Community leaders welcomed the intervention and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and NEMA for providing assistance.
Technical team investigates gas seepage in Delta
In Delta State, NEMA coordinated a multi-agency technical mission to Uzere Kingdom between November 3 and 4, following reports of gas emissions in the community.
The Director-General was represented by Dr Godwin Tepikor, Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting at the agency.
The mission was intended to support technical assessments and establish the nature and possible causes of the reported gas seepage.
The incident has raised concerns because underground gas emissions were reportedly detected around residential settlements and farmlands, creating uncertainty over environmental safety and the wellbeing of residents.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the extent of the problem and identify appropriate measures to protect affected communities.
Environmental and livelihood concerns grow
The reported gas seepage in Bille Community has affected mangroves, waterways and surrounding areas, raising concerns about possible environmental pollution and disruption of local livelihoods.
Residents of the riverine community depend on their surrounding natural environment for several economic activities, making environmental protection particularly important.
In Uzere Kingdom, the reported underground emissions around homes and agricultural land have increased concerns about possible exposure and the safety of residents.
NEMA said the interventions form part of its broader disaster-management responsibilities, which include humanitarian assistance, technical assessments, coordination with relevant agencies and continued engagement with affected communities.
The agency’s response highlights the importance of combining emergency relief with scientific investigations to establish the source of environmental hazards and prevent further harm.
