By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja
The Federal Government has assured residents of Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State of immediate humanitarian assistance and a permanent solution to the gas seepage affecting the area as investigations continue to determine the source of the incident.
A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the community on Thursday alongside the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and representatives of oil and gas operators.
According to a statement by the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the delegation delivered relief materials and pledged to provide potable water, intensive medical outreach, additional firefighting equipment and support for electricity supply to ease the hardship faced by residents.
The Commission said the delegation had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who assured residents that the Federal Government was taking steps to bring the situation under control.
