The Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF) has strongly criticized Seplat Energy (BRT) over its continued gas flaring in the Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State, describing it as an environmental disaster that is putting lives at risk and threatening the community’s future.

In a statement on Wednesday, BGF President, Jude Pepple, decried the unchecked flaring, which he said has led to significant air pollution, damage to marine life, and worsening health conditions among residents.

Bonny Graduates Forum is the convergence point for all professionals of Bonny Kingdom extraction comprising diverse professions.

He noted that Bonny, despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy wealth, has been left to suffer the devastating effects of environmental degradation while oil and gas companies profit.

Pepple highlighted that the once-thriving rivers and farmlands in Bonny are now severely impacted by pollution, making fishing and agriculture, which are long-standing sources of livelihood, increasingly difficult.

He further stated that the people of Bonny have had to deal with rising cases of respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and other health complications linked to prolonged exposure to toxic emissions from gas flaring.

Calling for urgent intervention, Pepple demanded that Seplat Energy and regulatory agencies, particularly the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), take responsibility for the environmental harm being inflicted on Bonny.

He insisted that Seplat must present a clear plan to eliminate gas flaring, disclose the full extent of emissions and their health implications, and actively invest in cleaner energy solutions that benefit the host community.

According to the BGF President, corporate social responsibility efforts must go beyond surface-level projects and public relations statements.

He emphasized that Bonny residents deserve genuine corporate accountability, a healthier environment, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure that oil and gas operators do not continue to exploit the region at the expense of its people.

As of the time of this report, Seplat Energy (BRT) had not issued an official response to the allegations and demands made by the Bonny Graduates Forum; and efforts by Kristina Reports to reach the company proved abortive.