Youths from Koluama communities in Bayelsa State 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.
The explosion sparked off a 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.
Temo Ebra, the Secretary of Koluama 2 Youth Association in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, that the youths boarded the platform on Sunday to demand compensation.
Ebra said: “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.”
Contacted for his comments, Adesola Adebawo, Chevron’s Manager in charge of Communications Policy, Government and Public Affairs, told NAN that the company would react to the development.
Security sources at the oilfield confirmed to NAN that the youths pose no security threat to oil and gas production.
The security source said: “Their conduct was peaceful and we are very familiar with them.
“The face-off between the youths and company should be resolved so that we can all have peace.”
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