The Bayelsa State Government has expressed dismay over the shooting incident during a political rally organised in the state on Saturday by the NEW Associates, a group allegedly loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Gunmen suspected to be sponsored political thugs had on Saturday disrupted the pro-Wike rally and inauguration of the NEW Associates group at the Church of God Mission Camp at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking shortly after the incident, the Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, accused the state government of trying to scatter their rally.

He said they put up the peaceful rally to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the state in positions of responsibility in his government, wondering why somebody should feel threatened by the rally.

But in its reaction, the state government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, on Saturday night, called on the Inspector-General of Police and the police authorities in the state to unravel those behind the incident at the rally ground.

The government expressed concern that the shooting was not a coincidence, as the organisers had earlier threatened that “the good, the bad and the ugly” would attend the event.

It wondered why a gathering that was expected to be peaceful turned violent, with some persons reportedly injured.

The government urged the police to immediately commence an investigation to bring to book anyone found culpable.

While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government observed that it was held on the campsite of a religious organisation.

It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship.

The government said it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breaches the law.

The government restated its commitment to sustaining peace and ensuring the security of the lives and property of all residents.