Breaking: Yenagoa Resident scamper in fear as Gunshots Rock Venue of Pro-Wike Rally in Bayelsa
By Passman Akpos
Chaos erupted in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Saturday as gunshots pierced the air at the venue of a highly anticipated mega rally organized by NEW Associates, a political group loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The sudden outbreak of gunfire plunged the event into disarray, heightening tensions in an already politically charged atmosphere.
The rally, spearheaded by George Turnah, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, was in full swing when the alarming sounds of gunfire reverberated across the area.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as attendees scattered in all directions, seeking safety amid the unexpected disruption. The exact source of the gunshots remains unclear at this hour, with speculation swirling about whether it was an act of intimidation, a clash between rival factions, or an unrelated incident.
NEW Associates had billed the event as a show of strength and solidarity for Wike, a polarizing figure whose influence continues to stir political currents in the South-South region. Coordinated by Turnah, the rally aimed to galvanize support and make a bold statement, but the eruption of gunfire has cast a shadow over its objectives.
The exact source of the gunshots remains unclear at this hour, with speculation swirling about whether it was an act of intimidation, a clash between rival factions, or an unrelated incident.
Security operatives are said to have swarmed the scene, working to restore order and ascertain the cause of the disturbance.
The incident comes against a backdrop of simmering political rivalry in Bayelsa, with Governor Douye Diri and Wike’s allies locked in a bitter feud. Diri had previously voiced opposition to the rally, warning that it risked importing instability from neighboring Rivers State, where Wike wields significant influence.
Saturday’s events are likely to fuel further debate about the volatile intersection of politics and public gatherings in the region.
As of 1:31 PM WAT, authorities have yet to release an official statement, and the situation remains fluid.
Residents of Yenagoa are on edge, with many questioning the implications of this dramatic turn of events for Bayelsa’s fragile political landscape. Updates are expected as investigations unfold.
