The Bukuma Council of Chiefs issued an SOS on January 14, 2025, to the South-South Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over a spillage and gas fire disaster affecting several communities. Acting swiftly, Zonal Coordinator Mr. Ebhodaghe Eric engaged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) office in Rivers State and the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, to develop a coordinated response.
On January 22, 2025, a joint team led by Mr. Chidiebere Ogundu, in collaboration with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RVSEMA), conducted an on-site assessment. The investigation revealed devastating impacts on 14 satellite communities, including Buguma, Zion City, and Christ Liberty. Zion City and Christ Liberty were among the hardest hit, with widespread environmental damage reported. The spillage and ongoing gas fire caused severe water and air pollution, destruction of farmlands and fish farms, contamination of drinking water sources, and damage to homes and livelihoods.
Mr. Ogundu conveyed NEMA’s sympathy to affected residents, while local leaders, including His Royal Highness Stephen Jeremiah Tobins and Sir Henry Beresibo, expressed gratitude for the swift response. However, they criticized inadequate facility maintenance and called for urgent government action. Degema Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Dr. Henry Aggrey, pledged to provide water purification plants and work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to extinguish the fire.
Efforts to mitigate the disaster’s impacts are underway through collaboration between NEMA, RVSEMA, local authorities, and community leaders. The ongoing response aims to restore normalcy and address the environmental and social challenges posed by the incident.
