Two feared killed, five injured as APC, PDP clash in Bayelsa

Two persons were reportedly feared killed and five others critically injured during a bloody clash between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bassambiri, Nembe Local Council of Bayelsa State.

The incident occurred at the weekend during a wake-keep in honour of a popular indigene of the area.

It was learnt that trouble started when PDP supporters led by the newly appointed Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Walter Kuroekigha chanted the party’s slogans, which allegedly provoked APC members at the ceremony.

During the violence that erupted, two persons were reportedly hacked to death, while five others sustained injuries, just as properties worth millions of naira were set ablaze.

An APC chieftain in the community, Melford Estate, who reacted to the incident called on security agencies to help protect lives and properties of people in the area.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, in his reaction condemned the renewed violence in the area.

He said: “We condemn in strong terms the gruesome attack on members of the PDP or any citizen by the APC, which has led to the death of one person and we say this is one attack too many. As I speak to you, innocent Nigerians (Bayelsans) lie critically injured at the Glory Land Hospital in Yenagoa fighting for their lives.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Butswat Asinim, confirmed the clash in Nembe. He, however, said there was no official report that anyone died in the incident.