By Elvira Jordan
A young woman, Joy Amos, who suffered severe burns after a fire engulfed her home in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, is in urgent need of medical assistance as her treatment bills reportedly approach N2 million.
The appeal was contained in an open letter shared on social media by the Coordinator of Eco Women Initiative, Erabanabari Theophilus, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, seeking government intervention to settle Amos’ medical expenses and facilitate specialised treatment if required.
According to the letter, Amos is receiving treatment at Syer’s Maternity Home Care, No. 23 Opu Angula Community, Bille Kingdom, following the incident.
The writer attributed the fire to alleged underground methane gas leakage and bubbling reported in parts of Bille, saying residents had previously complained about sounds of gas bubbling beneath their homes.
It alleged that Amos was trapped when her house caught fire, leaving her with extensive and life-threatening burn injuries.
The appeal described the incident as more than a domestic accident, linking it to what it called an ongoing ecological and public health emergency in Bille Kingdom.
It also alleged that gas emissions in the community had affected sources of drinking water, while the reported fire raised fresh concerns about the potential risks to residents.
The letter said Amos was unable to meet the rising cost of treatment and appealed to the Rivers State Ministry of Health to urgently intervene by covering her medical bills and helping arrange any specialised burn care she may require.
The appeal further urged members of the public to amplify the case and draw the attention of the state health authorities to Amos’ condition.
Environmental activists have continued to call for urgent action in Bille Kingdom, as residents cry out over multiple issues of gas leakages, hotness and fire outbreaks. Their calls have been characterized by statements like “Bille is burning”, “Bille is on the brink of a fire disaster”, “Save Bille people now”.
