Bayelsa Radio Staff Killed, Several Injured at PDP Rally

Simon Onu, an Outside Broadcast (OB) Van driver with Radio Bayelsa was reportedly killed Wednesday in Nembe, Bayelsa East, killed at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign rally, while several others critically injured were rushed to hospitals in Yenagoa.

THISDAY gathered that Onu, who was close to the source of the gunfire, was trying to drive off to save the van when he was hit by the bullet, which killed him instantly.

The incident, which happened in volatile Ogbolomabiri, disrupted the rally while Governor Seriake Dickson and the candidate of the party, Senator Douye Diri had not arrived the venue.

This is coming as the United States has again reiterated that it will not tolerate any act of violence during the conduct of the governorship election in Bayelsa State, warning that the US and the international community will be watching the election closely in order to deter the potential instigators of violence or those who seek to undermine the democratic process.

It was learnt that the heavy shooting by the armed men rocked the King Koko Square, venue of the campaign as party supporters were waiting for the dignitaries to arrive Ogbolomabiri, which was also a flashpoint during the state and National Assembly elections earlier in the year.

It was gathered that some journalists covering the rally were also caught in the crossfire as many others sustained different degree of injuries.

However, as at yesterday evening, Governor Dickson, who was billed to attend the rally in company with the candidate of the party, was said to have cancelled the event to prevent more loss of lives.

The Police Public Relations officer, Asinim Bustwat, had yet to respond to inquiries at the time of putting this report together, but soldiers deployed in the place were said to be holding ground against the suspected hoodlums.

A source said that the gang was spearheaded by persons allegedly sponsored by an opposition party in the state, who also allegedly attacked some party loyalists who were on transit to Brass for a campaign two weeks ago.

The gang reportedly opened fire on the Protocol bus of the Bayelsa State Government House at a junction between Bassambiri and Ogbolomabiri.

Dickson, who has condemned the violence on PDP members, urged the security agencies to take full control of the situation.

Meanwhile, United States has again reiterated that it will not tolerate any act of violence during the conduct of the governorship election in the state.