by Tony Tamuno

Youths from Koluama communities in Bayelsa state, have attacked the North Apoi oil platform, operated by Chevron, over non payment of compensation for an explosion which occurred on the platform in January 2012. The explosion caused a fire which burnt for over 50 days before it was finally put out.

The unarmed youths said they were on a peaceful protest to secure compensation for their communities. They pledged to remain at the facility until Chevron accepted responsibility for the explosion.

Mr Temo Ebra, the secretary of the Koluama 2 Youth Association in Southern Ijaw LGA, said 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. 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.
Chevron’s spokesman, Mr Adesola Adebawo, said that the company would react to the development and did not elaborate further.