By Paul Emeka Chimodo
Youths from the Bodo Community in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed concerns about the alleged mismanagement and whereabouts of funds released by a multinational operating in the area.
Shell is reported to have provided over sixteen million naira to the community following a Joint Investigation visit in August 2022.
In a statement signed by representatives of the Bodo community, the youth group has called for the urgent intervention of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Caretaker Committee Chairman Kenneth Kpeden, and Bodo Chairman of Council Traditional Rulers Mene Michael Tekuru-Porobunu to investigate those allegedly involved in withdrawing the funds.
Kenneth Bakor, President of the Bodo City Youth Council, raised concerns that some youths and others dismissed by a suspected cult gang were killed while trying to protect the pipeline.
The statement also implicated a paramount ruler and one GAH in the withdrawal of the money, alleging that the funds in question were withdrawn on August 25, 2024
It warned that if an account of the funds is not provided, the youths will strongly resist any attempts to silence the Bodo community through their associates.