Koluama youths invade Chevron over non payment of compensation

File Photo: Koluama community protest against Chevron

File Photo: Koluama community protest against Chevron
File Photo: Koluama community protest against Chevron

Youths from Koluama communities in Bayelsa, have invaded the North Apoi oil platform operated by Chevron over non payment of compensation in the explosion that occurred on the platform in January 2012.

NAN recalls that the explosion sparked off fire which burnt for over 50 days before it was put out. The unarmed youths said they were on a peaceful protest to secure compensation for their communities.

They vowed to occupy the facility until Chevron accepts responsibility for the explosion.

Mr Temo Ebra, Secretary, Koluama 2, Youth Association in Southern Ijaw LGA, said on Monday in Yenagoa that the youths boarded the platform on Sunday to demand compensation.

“After several unsuccessful peaceful attempts to resolve pending issues since the explosion, Chevron has refused to take responsibility.

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“The company claimed the incident did not impact on the people. The statement from Chevron issued last week is provocative; so the youths summoned the courage to take over one of the platforms.

“They will occupy the platform until Chevron does something meaningful. The protest will continue; this was the site the Minister of Petroleum visited and the company has not done anything for over two years.

“Chevron has not shown any sensitivity to the plight of the affected communities and has shunned all efforts to dialogue with the people,” Ebra said.

Contacted for his comments, Mr Adesola Adebawo, Chevron’s Manager in charge of Communications Policy, Government and Public Affairs, told NAN that the company would react to the development.

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