2 killed, many injured as gunmen attack Wike’s pro-Tinubu rally in Bayelsa
By KEMI KASUMU
Report reaching us at The DEFENDER says gunmen numbering five, on Saturday April 26, 2025, attacked the pro-Tinubu Mega Rally holding in Igbogene, Yenagoa killing two persons.
The mega rally is being organised by the NEW Associates, a grassroots political group comprising of associates of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
“The gunmen came from the forest backing the stage and opened fire,” according to a report by the online edition of Saturday Sun.
The report said, “In the ensuing melee, several people were injured as they scamper for safety.
“It took the combined efforts of policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security to repel the gunmen.
“The security agencies engaged the gunmen in a gun battle for 10 minutes forcing them to retreat.
“However the organisers vowed to go ahead with the programme.
“The secretary of the NEW Associates, Ebilade Ekerefe declared that they would not be intimidated to back down from their support for President Tinubu to go for another term in office.”
The Advocate learnt that the rally was intended to inaugurate the state chapter of the NEW Associates and express support for President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Despite warnings from Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and a court injunction halting the rally over security concerns, the organizers went ahead with the event.
Authorities had earlier cautioned that the rally could heighten political instability, especially given the tensions in neighboring Rivers State.
But as the event was going on, gunmen stormed the venue, opening fire and causing widespread panic.
The attack led to the deaths of two individuals — a staff member of Radio Bayelsa and a supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The violent incident has further heightened political tensions in Bayelsa, with many calling for a thorough investigation to forestall future occurrence.
