Bille Gas Explosion Claims 29-Year-Old Victim, CAPPA Demands Urgent Action

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Joy Amos receiving treament at
the hospital before her death


A 29-year-old resident of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ms. Joy Amos, has died from injuries sustained in a gas explosion inside her room on September 3.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, disclosed this in a statement signec by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, on Wednesday, saying Amos died on Tuesday, September 22, after she was transferred from Bille to Port Harcourt for further treatment.

The organisation described her death as a serious consequence of the ongoing environmental and public health concerns over reported gas emissions in Bille.

According to CAPPA, the explosion occurred at about 8 a.m. in Amos’ room at No. 18, Opu Ibiila Community, setting part of the building ablaze, shattering its windows and leaving her with extensive burns.

Amos, an Ogoni native, reportedly received treatment at a private clinic in Bille for about nine days before being transferred to Port Harcourt on September 12.

Joy Amos immediately
after the explosion

CAPPA said the transfer followed a call from a person identified by community members as Dr. Ndubisi Akpu, who reportedly claimed to be calling from the Ministry of Health and said the government would take over her treatment.

The organisation said Amos later died, while her remains were reportedly being taken to Ogoni for burial.

CAPPA called for the circumstances surrounding her death to be properly documented and independently investigated, including an autopsy, particularly because of the environmental conditions reported at the site of the explosion.

The organisation said information it received indicated that the room where the explosion occurred continued to produce an apparent gas-bubbling sound beneath the cemented floor, accompanied by a noticeable gas-like odour.

CAPPA said the incident was part of a wider emergency reportedly affecting Bille since October 2025.

It said a field visit conducted on July 6 revealed gas emissions from wells, boreholes, residential compounds, waterways and school grounds.

The organisation also said government investigations had reportedly detected elevated levels of methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, as well as groundwater contamination and poor air quality.

CAPPA said residents had yet to receive a comprehensive public explanation of the source of the emissions or a clear emergency response plan.

It also raised concerns over other reported health and fire incidents in the community.

The organisation said Mrs. Tamunosiepribo Igani reportedly collapsed while walking to the waterside on September 12 and sustained a serious leg injury, while a teacher, Ms. Deborah Adokiye Orlando, reportedly collapsed at State School One, Bille, on Tuesday.

CAPPA also cited two household fires reported in August and September, including a September 7 incident that reportedly destroyed substantial property.

The organisation expressed particular concern over reports that some residents were collecting the emerging gas to power generators, while others were reportedly digging around their homes in search of gas outlets for domestic use.

CAPPA warned that such activities could expose residents to explosions, poisoning and other hazards.

The organisation’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, called on the authorities to treat the situation as a full-scale emergency.

“Joy Amos did not have to die. Her death followed months of warnings, confirmed environmental hazards and repeated appeals for government intervention,” Ibeh said.

CAPPA called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and relevant regulatory and emergency agencies to establish a coordinated response involving independent experts in environmental science, medicine, public health and emergency safety.

It also demanded comprehensive hazard mapping and the evacuation of households, schools and public facilities found to be unsafe.

The organisation urged authorities to provide specialist treatment for Mrs. Igani, conduct a medical assessment of the teacher who reportedly collapsed and establish free medical screening for residents, particularly children, pregnant women and older people.

CAPPA further called for the immediate suspension of unsafe gas collection and use, continuous air, water and soil testing, and the establishment of a system for documenting fires, explosions, illnesses and injuries in the community.

It also demanded the participation of Bille residents in investigations, emergency measures and remediation plans.

CAPPA said authorities should publicly identify the institutions coordinating the response and provide a clear timetable for investigations, medical intervention, social support and evacuation where necessary.

It added that once the source of the emissions or leakage was established, authorities should ensure remediation, compensation for affected residents and legal accountability.

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