Gunmen suspected to be sponsored political thugs disrupted the rally and inauguration of the NEW Associates group on Saturday at the Church of God Mission Camp, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, organised by supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for political appointments given to Bayelsa indigenes, was initially scheduled for April 12 but was moved to April 26 due to a clash with another rally organised by Governor Douye Diri’s supporters.
Chaos erupted when gunmen emerged from nearby creeks and bushes, shooting sporadically and causing attendees to flee. Security forces from the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and DSS responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat.
Following the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, secretary of the NEW Associates and former IYC spokesman, accused the Bayelsa State government of attempting to disrupt their peaceful gathering. He emphasized that the rally was simply to express political support and solidarity with the President.
Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, condemned the disruption, describing the rally as peaceful and politically motivated by those opposing it.
Despite the attack, the rally resumed, with Wike’s supporters regrouping to continue the programme.
