The Federal Government has commenced an investigation into reports of gas seepage in Bille Community, located within the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 corridor in Rivers State, while assuring residents that necessary steps are being taken to safeguard lives and the environment.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed on Monday that he had received briefings on incidents of gas bubbling observed in the ground and surrounding water bodies in the area.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, the minister said the government had activated a coordinated response involving key regulatory agencies and operators.
“Indeed, following reports from residents of Bille and adjoining communities indicating unusual bubbling in nearby water bodies, relevant regulatory agencies and operators immediately activated a joint response mechanism.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), together with operators active within the OML 18 area, commenced immediate field investigations to determine the source and nature of the occurrence.
“As part of the ongoing response, two joint investigation visits have already been conducted at the affected locations. During these inspections, relevant samples were collected and forwarded for laboratory analysis,” Ekpo stated.
He explained that preliminary assessments have not established any direct link between the bubbling and oil pollution, pipeline leakage, or operational failures within oil and gas infrastructure in the area, adding that final laboratory results are being awaited for definitive conclusions.
The minister further directed the NUPRC to intensify technical investigations, conduct additional site visits, and maintain continuous monitoring of the affected locations.
“The commission, working closely with operators in the area, remains fully committed to identifying the exact source of the gas seepage and ensuring that appropriate remedial actions are taken swiftly once investigations are concluded,” he said.
Ekpo reiterated that the safety of host communities, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of residents remain top priorities for the government.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with regulatory authorities and technical teams as investigations continue.
The suspected gas leak, first reported months ago, has raised environmental and health concerns among residents, with fishermen reporting bubbling water and a strong sulphurous odour in nearby mangrove swamps and rivers.
Reports indicate that the situation has begun to disrupt daily life, with drinking water sources allegedly contaminated and some schoolchildren relocated after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and illness linked to possible gas exposure.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups, including Amnesty International, have called on authorities to urgently identify and contain the source of the leak to prevent a potential environmental or humanitarian crisis.
