A 29-year-old woman, Joy Amos, who suffered severe burns in a gas explosion in Bille, Rivers State, has died. According to Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Ms Amos died on Tuesday, 22 September, after being transferred to Port Harcourt for further treatment. Her death has raised concerns about the reported gas emissions affecting residents of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area.
The gas explosion occurred on 3 September inside Ms Amos's room at No. 18, Opu Ibiila Community, setting part of the building on fire and leaving her with extensive burns. She initially received treatment at a private clinic in Bille for about nine days before being transferred to Port Harcourt on 12 September. The transfer followed a call from a person claiming to be from the Ministry of Health, who said the government would take over her treatment.
CAPPA has called for an independent investigation into Ms Amos's death, the source of the gas emissions, and the government's response to the situation. The organisation demands an autopsy and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. CAPPA also reported that the room where the explosion occurred continued to produce a bubbling sound beneath its cemented floor, accompanied by a gas-like odour.
During a field visit to Bille on 6 July, CAPPA noted gas emissions from wells, boreholes, residential compounds, waterways, and school grounds. The organisation said government investigations had reportedly detected elevated levels of methane, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon dioxide, as well as groundwater contamination and poor air quality.
According to CAPPA, residents have not received a comprehensive public explanation of the source of the emissions or a clear emergency response plan. The organisation said the situation had exposed residents to continuing risks, including possible explosions, toxic gas inhalation, and water contamination.
CAPPA's Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, stated that Ms Amos's death highlighted the need for immediate government intervention. The organisation urged the federal and Rivers State governments, petroleum and environmental regulators, and other relevant institutions to establish a coordinated emergency response, including hazard mapping, evacuation of unsafe households, and free medical screening for residents.
The organisation also raised concerns about reports that some residents were collecting emerging gas to power generators or digging around their homes in search of gas outlets, warning that such activities could expose residents to explosions and poisoning. CAPPA called for alternative electricity and cooking energy for affected households, residents' participation in investigations and remediation, and compensation for those affected.
Key points
- CAPPA calls for an independent investigation into the death of Joy Amos and the source of gas emissions in Bille.
- The organisation demands a coordinated emergency response from the government, including hazard mapping and free medical screening for residents.
- Residents are at risk of explosions, toxic gas inhalation, and water contamination due to the continuing gas emissions.
