Youths of the Olugbobiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday took to the streets to protest the alleged neglect of their community by the Nigeria Agip Company (NAOC).
The youths, who stepped out in warrior outfits, said their grievances were hinged on the fact that the oil company is depriving the community of its desired development.
Speaking during the protest, the leader of the youths, Commander Raphael Christopher, said their decision to protest was because they could not sit and be impoverished by the NAOC.
Christopher noted that the NOAC has been operating in the community for over 30 years but has failed to carry out its social responsibilities.
According to him, their demands include the piling of the community’s waterfront to save it from erosion and sand-filling of the back of the community to enable more development in the community.
Other demands include the provision of power directly from the flow-station to enable a steady supply of power to boost the economy of the community; employment for indigenes of the community, and scholarships opportunities for indigenes of the community.
The leader advised security operatives to urge the companies to carry out their duties to communities rather than allow these companies to use them as tools to intimidate the communities.
He explained that the company had till December to meet the conditions outlined, noting that their demands are simple but, if not met, will undoubtedly lead to the breakdown of law and order in the community.
