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Rivers: Bonny Leaders Demand Urgent Action on Health Impact of Oil and Gas Operations

By Obiabin Onukwugha

Communities in Bonny Kingdom, Bonny local government area of Rivers State, have urged the state government to urgently address worsening environmental health issues allegedly caused by the operations of International Oil Companies, IOCs, in the area. The communities also called for the establishment of a specialized hospital to treat different ailments being suffered by the people..

The communities made the call during a one-day security interactive seminar organized by the state government at the Ibanise Hall, Bonny, on Thursday.

In their submissions, stakeholders who spoke on behalf of the various communities decried rising pollution-linked illnesses in the area, The people also called on multinational oil firms operating in the kingdom to honor their environmental and social responsibility agreements.

The people particularly demanded “Swift government intervention on environmental health challenges from IOC operations. Creation of a specialized hospital for pollution-related illnesses.

“Strengthening of boundary and village security infrastructure. Greater accountability from the NDDC, which stakeholders said has left Bonny behind.”

In his presentation, Se-Alabo Haniel Tamunoiwarisoma Jack-Wilson Pepple, Vice Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, insisted that without decisive intervention, the area’s long-term health and ecological stability remain at risk.

People said: ““The people of Bonny are suffering from the health consequences of years of oil exploration. We need a hospital specifically equipped to handle pollution-related conditions.

“We are united under our King and speak with one voice. The multinationals must do right by us. They must be held accountable for the degradation and the health crisis in Bonny.”

Representing the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized that information sharing remains a critical component of effective security operations, urging citizens of Bonny to actively support the process.

He stated that the engagement was aimed at bringing governance closer to the grassroots, with a focus on security and welfare; and acknowledged the concerns and promised to relay all submissions to the state leadership.

“These issues will not be swept under the carpet. We will document and forward every concern to the State Administrator for prompt action. We are ready to work with the people, whether they like it or not.”

He also condemned the rising cases of kidnapping in Bonny and urged residents to assist law enforcement agencies by exposing criminal elements, many of whom he noted reside within the community.

Also, Bonny LGA Sole Administrator, Mr. Kingsley N. Banigo, pledged continuous collaboration with security agencies and reiterated his commitment to community welfare.

“We are stronger together. Unity and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential to securing Bonny and improving the quality of life for our people. During our time in office, we will work with everyone to ensure peace, safety, and development,” he stated.

The event ended with inspection tours of the Bonny General Hospital and Bonny Model Primary School, signaling what officials described as a renewed focus on critical public infrastructure.

It was gathered that the seminar was attended by top government officials, civil society actors, service commanders, traditional leaders, who all united in their call for health, security, and justice for the people of Bonny.

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