Hundreds of angry youths from Chevron’s host communities in Koluama, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State, on Tuesday protested the firm’s alleged neglect following the 2012 rig explosion in the area.
The youths stormed the Community Development Foundation’s (CDF) office in Yenagoa, accusing Chevron of abandoning them since the KS Endeavour rig exploded and led to massive oil spill that polluted their waterways.
The youths, who carried placards and sang solidarity songs, barricaded the CDF’s office and demanded explanations on why the firm had refused to pay compensation after the explosion.
The youths in September 2014 embarked on a similar protest, boarded and occupied the North Apoi oil platform operated by Chevron and disrupted oil production.
They later disembarked from the facility after the former Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel, brokered temporary truce.