Suspected armed thugs disrupted a pro-Wike rally and the inauguration of the NEW Associates group on Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
As reported by Daily Trust, the rally, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was held to express appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing several Bayelsa indigenes to key positions and to publicly declare their support for Wike, who serves as the grand patron of the group.
Initially scheduled for April 12, the rally was moved to April 26 after supporters of Governor Douye Diri planned an event for the same day and location. Both events were later rescheduled to avoid clashes.
Trouble started when the NEW Associates’ supporters, who had gathered at the Church of God Mission Camp arena as early as 8am, were ambushed by gunmen emerging from nearby creeks and bushes, firing shots into the air.
The gathering quickly scattered as attendees fled for safety. Security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), intervened, repelling the attackers and searching the surrounding area to prevent further violence.
Addressing journalists after the incident, the Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, alleged that the state government was behind the disruption, but insisted the rally would continue as planned.
He explained that the event was a peaceful gathering to show support for President Tinubu and questioned why anyone would feel threatened by such an assembly.
“Why would anyone attack law-abiding citizens, especially Ijaw youths, who gathered peacefully to express political solidarity? We are not here to cause trouble,” Ekerefe stated.
Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, a former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, described the rally as entirely peaceful and condemned attempts to disrupt it for political reasons.
He also affirmed that the event would go on despite the setback.
Meanwhile, supporters of the NEW Associates regrouped shortly after to continue their rally.