2 killed, 5 injured as armed thugs invade Bayelsa APC Secretariat

Two persons have been confirmed dead with five others including a journalist injured following the invasion of the All Progressive Congress (APC) secretariat by some armed hired thugs to disrupt the inauguration of the new Acting Chairman of the Party, Hon. Joseph Fafi. One of the persons killed was confirmed an APC member from Sagbama Local Council Area of the State, the other was a hawker. They were both caught in the exchange of gunfire between the men of the security agencies and the armed thugs. Some Journalists at the event, particularly the reporter with Rhythm FM station, Jesse Ese, was injured while trying to jump the barb wired fence of the Party secretariat. Trouble started at about 10am with the armed thugs disguised as party protesters and beat the security barricade mounted by the men of the Nigerian Police Force and heading directly to the APC secretariat complex. While the security personnel kept vigilance watch over the perceived protesters, some faithful of the APC raised alarm over the alleged possession of dangerous arms with those sighted among the protesters and joined the security forces to stop the invading attackers. Morning mail reporter who was present at the venue, observed that the attempts to stop the protesters resulted in fracas and gun shots were heard from some of the protesters and the policemen retaliated by shooting above the head of the crowd of protesters. The sporadic gunshots and gun attack from the various sides of the secretariat however caused pandemonium among party faithful which resulted in a stampede and injuries to many including reporters of various media houses present. Speaking on the development, the Member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Isreal Sunny-Igoli, expressed concern at the development and accused the expelled Chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe and ex-Militant leader, General Africa Ukpariasa of being responsible for the failed attack. According to him, “the APC members can not be intimidated in Bayelsa State. We know and we believe that the Party is on the part of rebuilding and enthronement of peace within its fold.