Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the sum of N100 million for Bille Kingdom in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State as part of immediate measures to mitigate the impact of persistent gas emissions in the community.
The intervention follows months of environmental concerns arising from continuous gas seepage affecting land and water sources in the area since November 2025.
During a working visit to the affected community on Wednesday, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, assured residents of government’s commitment to addressing the situation.
He said the N100 million support would provide urgent relief, including potable water and essential medical services for residents impacted by the environmental hazard.
According to him, the governor is deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of the people and is determined to tackle the root cause of the emissions.
Although the governor could not be physically present due to other state engagements, he is fully briefed on the situation and remains committed to finding a lasting solution,” he said.
The state government stressed that the financial support is a temporary palliative, adding that efforts are underway to achieve a permanent resolution to the environmental challenge.
Fubara also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them of sustained government intervention.
Earlier, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs in Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, commended the governor for the visit, describing him as a responsive leader.
He, however, expressed concern over the severity of the emissions, noting that the situation poses serious health risks to residents.
If you go to the river, the entire environment is bubbling and emitting strong odour. This is something strange we have never experienced before, and it is dangerous to human health,” he said.
The governor’s delegation also inspected some of the affected sites during the visit.
