Gunmen Disrupt Pro-Wike Rally In Bayelsa

Gunmen stormed a pro-Wike rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday, shooting sporadically and causing supporters to scatter before security forces intervened.

Gunmen believed to be hired political thugs attacked a pro-Wike rally on Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The event was organized by a group called NEW Associates to show support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and to thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing people from Bayelsa into government positions.

Nigerian news media had earlier reported how the rally was first planned for April 12 but was moved to April 26 after supporters of the state governor, Douye Diri, scheduled their own event for the same date and venue. Both groups later rescheduled.

On Saturday morning, members of NEW Associates had already gathered at the Church of God Mission Camp as early as 8am when suddenly gunmen came out from nearby creeks and bushes, firing their weapons in the air.

People at the rally quickly ran for safety. Security officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) confronted the attackers and forced them to retreat. They also searched the surrounding areas to make sure there were no more threats.

After the incident, the Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, spoke out. He accused the Bayelsa State government of trying to disrupt their peaceful rally and promised that they would not stop.

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.”

Also speaking, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, described the rally as peaceful. He added that those trying to create panic were doing so only for political reasons.

He vowed that the group would continue with the rally despite the attack by thugs.

Meanwhile, supporters later regrouped and resumed the rally without fear.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG