Kuwekuzi Aigbe
Following Thursday’s violent clash between rival groups in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the Bayelsa State Police Command, yesterday, banned all unlawful and unauthorized gatherings in the state.
A statement by the Command’s Spokesman, Asinim Butswat, said the command will not condone any act(s) of illegality by any person or group of persons in the guise of protest or campaign, as the ban on rally, campaign and protest have not been lifted yet.
“The command wishes to re-echo an earlier warning concerning the unauthorised and unlawful gathering of persons or group of persons, without a duly approved Police permit. This reminder has become imperative against the backdrop of an ugly development, where suspected political thugs clashed at Kpansia community on 20th January 2022, leading to the burning of a car and injuries meted on some persons.
“The Command is soliciting the co-operation and understanding of the members of political parties and the general public to comply with this order, as it is aimed at ensuring public safety in Bayelsa State”, the release stated.
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It will be recalled that supporters of the PDP in the state yesterday, were involved in a violent clash in Yenagoa, the state capital over the choice of candidate to contest for the position of Federal House of Representatives come 2023.
The clash, which threw the people of Kpansia community into panic, led to the burning of cars and violent attacks on individuals and passersby.
The car belonging to an aide to the State Governor and other vehicles were also set ablaze by the rampaging youths.
