Tension Erupts as Shots Ring Out During Wike Loyalists' Mega Rally in Bayelsa

 

The bustling city of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was thrown into chaos on Saturday following sporadic gunfire that disrupted a major political gathering organized by NEW Associates, a group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The rally, designed to showcase support for Wike’s political ideals and ambitions, quickly descended into a scene of fear and confusion, although calm was eventually restored.

Footage captured by News360 Nigeria revealed a moment of pure panic as rally attendees scrambled for safety when loud gunshots shattered the festive atmosphere. The shots echoed through the venue, sowing immediate anxiety among the throngs of supporters who had gathered under the scorching Bayelsa sun to hear from key party figures.

The NEW Associates, under the leadership of George Turnah, a political heavyweight in the region and currently the Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, had orchestrated the event with high expectations. Turnah, who also doubles as the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Bayelsa State, has been a vocal advocate for the FCT Minister, reinforcing Wike’s influence in the South-South geopolitical landscape.

The rally had initially proceeded with the usual fanfare: party songs blaring, banners fluttering, and a sea of supporters clad in PDP regalia chanting slogans of unity and progress. Turnah, along with several other notable party figures, had been delivering rousing speeches aimed at galvanizing the base ahead of the political battles to come.

A sudden barrage of gunshots changed the mood instantly. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with many diving to the ground or sprinting for cover. The source of the gunfire remains unclear, although preliminary reports suggest it may have been an attempt to disrupt the rally or intimidate participants.

Security forces stationed at the venue responded swiftly, moving to secure the area and calm the crowd. Their presence helped prevent what could have turned into a full-blown stampede. Within a short time, they managed to restore order, allowing the rally to cautiously proceed under tighter security protocols.

Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of a rally teetering on the edge of disaster but salvaged through quick intervention. “We just heard gunshots, many of them. People were running, shouting, some even fell over each other trying to escape,” said one attendee who asked not to be named for safety reasons.

Despite the frightening interruption, leaders of the NEW Associates have reaffirmed their commitment to continue pushing their political agenda. George Turnah later addressed the crowd, thanking them for their resilience and pledging that no amount of intimidation would derail their mission to consolidate PDP’s strength across the South-South.

Analysts view the incident as a symptom of the growing political tension in Bayelsa and, by extension, the South-South region, where various factions within the PDP and other political parties are jostling for supremacy ahead of upcoming elections. The event's disruption may well be seen as a warning sign of the volatile political climate that could define the months ahead.

Local police authorities have not released an official statement regarding the source of the gunshots or whether any arrests were made. However, sources within the security apparatus hinted that investigations were underway to ensure those responsible are brought to book.

Political observers have noted that the growing support for Wike within Bayelsa and other South-South states has unsettled rival camps within the PDP and beyond. Wike’s influence, even after transitioning from Governor of Rivers State to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, remains significant, and rallies such as Saturday’s event demonstrate that his political network remains vibrant and ready for future contests.

George Turnah’s leadership role within the PDP South-South Zone places him at the heart of efforts to consolidate Wike’s hold on the region. His dual role as Acting Chairman of the Bayelsa PDP makes him a key figure to watch, especially as internal party dynamics continue to evolve.

By the end of the rally, spirits among the participants had been visibly dampened, yet a defiant mood lingered. Organizers reiterated that no amount of scare tactics would dissuade them from their objectives, emphasizing unity, resilience, and a renewed call for vigilance among their supporters.

The incident at Yenagoa’s rally underscores a broader narrative of political struggle, resilience, and the unpredictable twists that often accompany the Nigerian political theater. With tensions simmering just beneath the surface, Bayelsa and the entire South-South region brace for what could be a highly charged political season.