Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday defied an armed attack by persons suspected to be sponsored political thugs, who fired gunshots into the crowd during a pro-Wike rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The rally, which was intended to inaugurate the New Associates group at the Church of God Mission Camp at Igbogene, Yenagoa, was briefly disrupted as security operatives and the armed thugs exchanged gunshots.
Organized to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa into government positions, and to declare support for Wike, the rally later commenced after security operatives managed to secure the venue.
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 nearby creeks and bushes, shooting sporadically.
The supporters ran for their lives while combined security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) engaged the hoodlums and forced them to retreat.
Speaking shortly after the incident, the Secretary of New Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, accused the state government of trying to disrupt their peaceful rally, vowing to continue.
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 support, solidarity to the President and Commander-in-Chief.”
Ekerefe explained that the rally was put together simply to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions of responsibility, wondering why anyone should feel threatened by a peaceful gathering.
Also speaking, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, Dr. Pabara Igwele, said the rally was peaceful and condemned any attempt to cause panic.
He said:
“The rally is a peaceful one, and anybody trying to cause panic is doing so for political reason.”
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