– As Ibas harps on information sharing for effective security operations
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Communities in Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State, have urged the Rivers State Government to urgently address worsening environmental health issues allegedly caused by the operations of International Oil Companies, IOCs, in the area.
The demand was made during a one-day security interactive seminar organized by the state government and held at the Ibanise Hall, Bonny, where stakeholders decried rising pollution-linked illnesses, calling for the establishment of a specialized hospital to treat affected residents.
The people of Bonny also called on multinational oil firms operating in the kingdom to honor their environmental and social responsibility agreements.
Speaking, 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.
“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,” Jack-Wilson Pepple added.
Representing the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the 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.
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,” Banigo stated.
Key demands raised by the community during the session include, “Swift government intervention on environmental health challenges from IOC operations. Creation of a specialized hospital for pollution-related illnesses.
Others are, “Strengthening of boundary and village security infrastructure. Greater accountability from the NDDC, which stakeholders said has left Bonny behind.”
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.
The seminar was attended by top government officials, civil society actors, service commanders, and traditional leaders, all united in their call for health, security, and justice for the people of Bonny.
