Veteran Nollywood actress and environmental activist Hilda Dokubo has called for urgent intervention following the circulation of a disturbing video from Bille Kingdom in Rivers State, where clean water reportedly turned dark with what appeared to be crude oil within a few minutes.
The video, which has attracted widespread attention on social media, has reignited concerns about the environmental challenges facing communities in the Niger Delta, a region that has suffered decades of oil pollution.
In the footage, water collected from a local source appears clear at first before gradually becoming discoloured, raising fears among residents about the safety of their drinking water and the long-term impact of oil contamination.
Reacting to the development, Dokubo urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other relevant government agencies to take immediate action. She expressed concern over the welfare of residents who depend on local water sources for drinking, cooking, fishing, and other daily activities.
According to community members, pollution from oil-related activities has continued to threaten livelihoods in the area. Many residents say fishing, which serves as a major source of income, has been negatively affected by environmental degradation.
They also fear that continued exposure to polluted water could pose serious health risks, especially to children and the elderly.
The video has generated mixed reactions online.
While some social media users questioned its authenticity and called for further verification, others said the footage highlights a reality that many Niger Delta communities have experienced for years.
One commenter who claimed to have served in Bayelsa State during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2001 recalled facing similar conditions. The individual alleged that corps members were unable to use local water for drinking or bathing and had to depend on sachet water transported from Port Harcourt.
The commenter further claimed that many residents suffered from recurring skin problems and other health issues believed to be linked to environmental pollution.
Environmental advocates say the incident underscores the need for stronger monitoring of oil operations and faster responses to reports of pollution.
They argue that communities in oil-producing areas deserve access to clean water, healthcare, and compensation where environmental damage has occurred.
The latest development has once again brought national attention to the ongoing environmental crisis in the Niger Delta. As reactions continue to pour in from across the country, many Nigerians are calling on authorities to investigate the claims, determine the cause of the alleged contamination, and implement lasting solutions to protect affected communities.
For many residents, the incident is a reminder of the challenges they continue to face despite living in a region that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth. They hope that renewed public attention will lead to meaningful action and lasting environmental restoration efforts.
