Tension gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Saturday as gunshots rang out at a rally organised by the NEW Associates, a political movement loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The rally, coordinated by George Turnah, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, descended into chaos when unknown assailants opened fire, sending participants and bystanders scrambling for safety. The sounds of sporadic gunfire echoed across the venue, bringing the event to an abrupt halt and throwing the area into panic.
Despite the volatile situation, leaders of the NEW Associates remained defiant. Addressing journalists shortly after calm was restored, the group’s Bayelsa State Secretary, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, vowed that the rally would proceed undeterred. “We are undaunted. Our resolve to support the Renewed Hope Agenda remains unshaken,” Ekerefe declared.
As of the time of filing this report, normalcy had returned to the venue, with supporters regrouping and the rally cautiously continuing under heightened security.
Saturday’s rally had already been mired in controversy even before the outbreak of violence. SaharaReporters earlier revealed that the Bayelsa State Chapter of NEW Associates, a grassroots political force aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, had postponed its original April 12 launch following a heated dispute with Governor Douye Diri’s camp.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, April 11, 2025, George Turnah — who also serves as the South-South Zonal Secretary of the PDP — announced the deferral of the rally to April 26. He cited concerns for public safety and respect for appeals made by prominent Ijaw leaders and elders.
Turnah, who has been an outspoken critic of Governor Diri in recent months, further alleged that there had been an assassination plot against him and his family, purportedly orchestrated by pro-Diri loyalists.
“In light of the tense political atmosphere and multiple groups vying to hold solidarity rallies at the same venue and date, we deemed it necessary to shift our programme to uphold peace and respect the voices of our revered Ijaw leaders,” Turnah said.
He reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to national unity and the advancement of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. “We believe that the success of President Tinubu’s administration is pivotal to the progress of Nigeria. It is not just a political responsibility but a civic duty to stand by this cause, while upholding the sanctity of every Nigerian life — Ijaw or otherwise,” he emphasised.
Saturday’s violence has reignited concerns about the deepening political rivalries in Bayelsa State, especially as the state edges closer to critical electoral seasons. Analysts warn that if left unchecked, these tensions could spiral into a broader crisis, undermining the fragile peace that the region has enjoyed in recent times.
Authorities are yet to confirm if any arrests have been made in connection with the shooting as investigations are said to be underway.
PIONEER NEWS 