The Ijaw Professionals Association, in collaboration with the Coalition of Ijaw Interest Groups, has classified the environmental crisis in Rivers State's Bille community as a "continuing crime against humanity." The group condemned the federal and state authorities for abandoning the community, which has faced an escalating catastrophe for years due to unmitigated oil and gas operations. Toxic gas bubbles have been uncontrollably released through land, rivers, and water wells.
The situation recently turned tragic with the death of Miss Joy Amos, who died from severe whole-body burns and respiratory complications following a devastating gas explosion. The community faces severe health crises due to compromised water sources, with air heavily saturated with gas and groundwater producing contaminated, blackish liquid. Locals rely on these water sources, exacerbating the crisis.
The Ijaw Professionals Association held various leaders responsible for the crisis, including the Federal Government, Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, operating oil companies, and Rivers State Governor. They also criticised local legislators, grassroots council leadership, and traditional rulers for failing to address the devastation. The group rejected past approaches as ineffective half-measures.
The association urged affluent Ijaw figures currently funding political campaigns to redirect resources toward environmental justice and legal enforcement instead. They called for organised advocacy and lawful mass action to address the crisis. The group also appealed to the international community for immediate humanitarian relief, environmental remediation, and accountability for the suffering in the Niger Delta.
The Ijaw Professionals Association's statement was signed by its President, Pattison Boleigha, and BoT Chairman, Maj. Gen. Paul Alaowei Toun. The group is seeking help from the international community, including the United Nations Secretary-General, the World Health Organization, UNEP, Amnesty International, and the International Criminal Court.
The crisis in Bille community is a result of decades of oil and gas operations, which have caused severe environmental and humanitarian damage. The community's situation has been described as a "continuing crime against humanity," with the group calling for urgent action to address the crisis.
The Ijaw Professionals Association's declaration of the Bille gas pollution as a crime against humanity highlights the severity of the crisis and the need for immediate action. The group's efforts aim to bring attention to the plight of the Bille community and push for accountability and environmental remediation.
Key points
- Ijaw Professionals Association labels Bille community gas pollution as a crime against humanity.
- The group condemns federal and state authorities for inaction.
- The association seeks international help for humanitarian relief and environmental remediation.
