Gunfire Erupts as Gunmen Disrupt Pro-Wike Rally in Bayelsa, Catholic Priest Kidnapped

By john Adedeji

April 26, 2025

Panic broke out in Bayelsa State on Saturday as gunmen launched a surprise attack on a rally organized by supporters of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The violence forced the crowd to flee and left several individuals injured by gunfire.

Tension engulfed the Church of God Mission Camp in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when suspected political thugs fired multiple gunshots during a pro-Wike rally organized by the group known as NEW Associates.

The rally, held in appreciation of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Bayelsa sons and daughters into key government positions, quickly descended into chaos as the gunfire sent participants scrambling for safety. Although no fatalities were reported, several attendees sustained gunshot wounds.

According to reports, the attackers opened fire from a nearby bush just as the event was gaining momentum. Security operatives, including members of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), responded promptly by engaging the gunmen and securing the area.

The rally, initially slated for April 12, had been rescheduled to April 26 following a clash of dates with a separate rally organized by supporters of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

In a statement following the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), accused the state government of orchestrating the attack to disrupt the peaceful gathering. He emphasized that their rally was meant to show solidarity with President Tinubu, not to cause unrest.

“How can peaceful, law-abiding citizens be attacked for simply exercising their political rights?” Ekerefe questioned, stressing the need to uphold democratic freedoms.

Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, condemned the attack, attributing it to political motives. He vowed that the rally would continue despite the earlier disruption.

Demonstrating resilience, the supporters regrouped after the initial chaos and successfully held the rally, reaffirming their loyalty to President Tinubu and their support for Wike.

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