Gunmen believed to be hired political thugs disrupted a rally organised in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, which also marked the inauguration of the NEW Associates group, was meant to thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions in his administration, while also showing support for Wike, who serves as the group’s grand patron.
Originally scheduled for April 12, the rally had been postponed to April 26 after another group, supporters of Governor Douye Diri, booked the same venue and date for their own rally.
Although both groups eventually rescheduled, tensions remained high.
Supporters of NEW Associates had gathered early at the Church of God Mission Camp, ready for the event, when armed men suddenly emerged from nearby creeks and bushes, firing gunshots into the air.
The crowd quickly scattered in fear, while security forces including the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) responded by pushing back the attackers and searching the surrounding area to prevent further violence.
After the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesperson of the Ijaw Youths Council, accused the state government of trying to disrupt their peaceful gathering.
He insisted the rally would go on, stating that their intention was simply to express gratitude to the President and show solidarity, and questioned why anyone would feel threatened by such an event.
Similarly, Dr Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa, described the rally as peaceful and blamed the disruption on political motives.
He also vowed that the rally would continue despite the attack.
After the initial chaos, supporters regrouped to carry on with the event.
