There was chaos on Saturday at a rally organized by NEW Associates, a pro-Wike political group in Bayelsa State, after gunmen suspected to be political thugs opened fire on the crowd, disrupting the event.
The rally, held at the Church of God Mission Camp in Igbogene, Yenagoa, was staged by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsa indigenes into key government positions. It was also intended to publicly declare support for Wike, who serves as the grand patron of the group.
Panic erupted as gunshots rang out from a nearby bush, causing the crowd to flee in different directions for safety. While there were no fatalities, several individuals sustained gunshot injuries. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) quickly intervened, repelling the attackers and combing the surrounding bushes to prevent further incidents.
The rally had initially been scheduled for April 12 but was moved to April 26 after supporters of Governor Douye Diri scheduled a conflicting event at the same venue. Despite both groups rescheduling, tensions remained high.
Speaking after the attack, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), accused the Bayelsa State government of trying to disrupt their peaceful gathering. He vowed that the rally would continue despite the provocation.
“We came together peacefully to show appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and daughters into government positions. It is shameful that anyone would feel threatened by this,” Ekerefe said. “We are law-abiding citizens and will not be intimidated.”
Former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele, also condemned the attack, insisting the rally was peaceful and accusing political opponents of instigating violence for selfish reasons. He emphasized that the disruption would not deter them.
Despite the initial chaos, the supporters of NEW Associates regrouped and successfully continued with the rally later in the day.