Seven Feared Dead as PDP, LP Supporters Clash in Bayelsa

Posted by admin Bayelsa, Labour Party (LP), Latest Politics, State News Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Seven persons were feared dead following clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rival Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State on Monday. The clash took place in Nembe, the home town of Governor Timipre Sylva.

The clash came four days to the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections scheduled for Saturday.
THISDAY gathered that the clash took place in the stronghold of a member of the state House of Assembly who is seeking re-election to the Assembly.

Because of the close relationship between the PDP and LP candidates and the fact that both command a strong following among the youths, elders of the area were said to have intervened in what could lead to a fractionalisation of the community.
At a meeting called by the elders, the LP candidate, Mr. Kingsley Bokolo, was asked to step down for his PDP counterpart, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite. But Bokolo refused.

The situation soon led to a shouting match that later degenerated into a clash between supporters of both candidates.
In the ensuing battle, seven persons died with several others wounded.
Chairman of the LP in the state, Mr. Bobo Atari Adol, confirmed the clash and the killings in the community.

He declined to confirm if the casualties were from his party in Nembe.
Adol said he was yet to be briefed on the cause of the mayhem just as he said the party would investigate the immediate cause.

The party’s spokesman, Mr. Douye Diri, also confirmed the incident, but said the refusal of PDP member to allow supporters of LP access to Nembe Bassambiri area also contributed to the clash.

Also contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Emmakpai Egwuevon, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the incident was not officially reported to the command.

-ThisDaywp_posts