A rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, held in support of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, was disrupted by gunfire from suspected political thugs. Despite the armed attack, Wike’s supporters proceeded with the event after security forces secured the area.
The rally, organised by the New Associates group at the Church of God Mission Camp in Igbogene, was intended to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of Bayelsan individuals to government positions and to express solidarity with Wike, the group’s grand patron. Attendees had gathered early in the morning when gunmen emerged from nearby creeks and bushland, firing shots into the crowd.
The sudden gunfire caused widespread panic, with attendees fleeing for safety. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
Following the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of New Associates and former Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) spokesperson, accused the Bayelsa State government of attempting to sabotage the rally. “We are not here to cause any trouble,” he stated, “we are here to express our support and solidarity to the President.”
Dr. Pabara Igwele, former Bayelsa State Commissioner of Health, echoed Ekerefe’s sentiments, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the gathering and attributing the disruption to political motives.
The event, which included the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of New Associates, also served as an opportunity for Convener Barr. George Turnah, MON, to express gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing individuals from the Niger Delta region to key positions. Notable appointees mentioned included Chief Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister; Dr. Heneiken Lokpobiri, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission; Mr. Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority; and Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
