Gunmen suspected to be politically sponsored thugs disrupted the pro-Wike rally and inauguration of the NEW Associates group on Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The rally, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was aimed at appreciating President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the state to key positions, while also declaring support for Wike, who serves as the group’s grand patron.
Initially scheduled for April 12, the event had to be postponed to April 26 after supporters of Governor Douye Diri fixed their own rally for the same date and venue. Although both groups later rescheduled, tensions remained high.
Supporters of the NEW Associates, who had gathered early at the Church of God Mission Camp arena by 8am, were already seated when gunmen suddenly emerged from the nearby creeks and bushes, firing sporadically.
The sudden attack caused panic as supporters fled for safety.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) quickly engaged the assailants, pushing them back and combing surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
Following the attack, the Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, blamed the state government for attempting to disrupt their peaceful gathering.
He vowed that the rally would continue.
He said “How will somebody go after the law abiding citizens of Nigeria, particularly Ijaw youths, who have gathered to associate politically, we are not here to cause any trouble, we are here to express our supports, solidarity to the President and Commander-in-Chief.”
Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, described the gathering as a peaceful event and accused those trying to instill fear of doing so for political motives.
He vowed to continue the rally despite the earlier attack.
Meanwhile, undeterred supporters have regrouped and continued with the rally.
