Gunmen suspected to be politically sponsored thugs on Saturday disrupted the pro-Wike rally and the inauguration of the NEW Associates group in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was aimed at showing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa State into key government positions. The rally also served as a platform to declare support for Wike, who serves as the grand patron of the group.
Originally scheduled for April 12, the rally was postponed to April 26 after a scheduling conflict arose when supporters of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri fixed their event for the same date and venue. Both groups eventually shifted their events.
Chaos erupted when the gunmen, emerging from nearby creeks and bush paths, began shooting sporadically. Supporters who had arrived at the Church of God Mission Camp arena as early as 8 a.m. fled for safety. Security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and combing the surrounding areas to prevent further violence.
Following the attack, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of the NEW Associates and a former spokesperson of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), directly accused the state government of attempting to disrupt the peaceful gathering.
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.”
Ekerefe emphasized that the rally was a gesture of gratitude towards President Tinubu, questioning why anyone would feel threatened by such a peaceful political assembly.
Also speaking, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa State, described the rally as entirely peaceful and suggested that any attempt to stir panic was politically motivated.
He vowed to continue with the event despite the earlier violence.
In a show of resilience, supporters of the NEW Associates regrouped shortly after the attack to proceed with the rally.
