By Zainab Imam
YENAGOA – Chaos erupted in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 26, 2025, when gunshots disrupted a rally organized by NEW Associates, a group loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The event, held at the Church of God Mission Camp arena, was intended to mobilize support for Wike and to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Bayelsa natives to key political positions. However, the peaceful gathering descended into panic when suspected gunmen, emerging from nearby creeks and bushes, began firing sporadically into the air, forcing hundreds of attendees to flee for safety.
The rally, spearheaded by George Turnah, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been mired in controversy even before it began. Originally scheduled for April 12, the event was postponed to April 26 to avoid a clash with a rival rally in support of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, which had been planned for the same date and venue. Tensions were further inflamed by an interim injunction issued by a Bayelsa State High Court on April 4, 2025, ordering a halt to the pro-Wike rally due to security concerns. Undeterred, the organizers pressed forward, drawing a large crowd of supporters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror and confusion as the gunfire interrupted the rally midway. “We were chanting and waving banners when we heard loud bangs,” said Amaka Oruye, an attendee. “People scattered in all directions. I hid behind a chair until things settled.” Security forces—including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services—quickly intervened to restore order. No casualties were reported, and after a tense lull, the rally resumed with supporters regrouping to continue their demonstration.
Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates, accused the Bayelsa State government of orchestrating the violence to sabotage the gathering. “This was a deliberate attempt to silence us,” Ekerefe alleged in a statement. Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, a former Bayelsa State Commissioner and close Wike ally, condemned the attack but vowed that the group would not be intimidated. “Our rally was peaceful, and we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts,” he declared.
The incident highlights the widening political rift between Wike’s camp and Governor Diri’s administration, a conflict fueled by power struggles within the PDP and Bayelsa's broader political environment. Although the state government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, the incident has heightened concerns about political violence as future elections approach.
Meanwhile, security forces have maintained a heavy presence in Yenagoa to prevent further unrest. Organizers of the pro-Wike faction have vowed to press ahead, pledging to stage more rallies to amplify their message.