Gunmen disrupt pro-Wike rally in Bayelsa

Gunmen suspected to be political thugs on Saturday disrupted the pro-Wike rally and inauguration of the NEW Associates group in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The rally organized by the supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in appreciation of President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the state, was also aimed at declaring support for Wike, who is the grand patron of the group.

The rally earlier fixed for April 12 was shifted to April 26, after supporters of Governor Douye Diri also fixed their rally at the earlier date and venue. Though both groups also shifted their rallies.

The supporters of NEW Associates who had thronged the Church of God Mission Camp arena as early as 8am, were already seated when the gunmen emerged from the nearby creeks and bush shooting sporadically.

The supporters however ran for their lives while the combined security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and DSS engaged the hoodlums to retreat.

They also combed the surrounding bushes to forestall any further attacks.

Speaking shortly after the incident, the Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, accused the state government of trying to scatter their peaceful rally, vowing to continue with the rally.

He said they put up the peaceful rally to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the state in positions of responsibilities in his government, wondering why somebody should feel threatened with a peaceful rally.

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, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, Dr Pabara Igwele, described the rally as a peaceful one, saying anybody trying to cause panic is doing so for political reason.

He vowed to continue with the rally despite the earlier disruption by hoodlums.

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