3 reportedly killed as PDP, APC supporters clash in Bayelsa

macfranc007 August 21, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 Kess Ewubare

- PDP and APC give conflicting versions about clash involving their supporters

- A source from the Brass area, Charles Junior, says the clash took place when APC learnt that PDP had allegedly camped thugs in the local council chairman’s lodge

- APC chieftain shuns Governor Udom's endorsement rally

A clash between supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Brass local government area of Bayelsa state, has reportedly led to the death of three persons.

Though, both sides have given conflicting reasons for the attacks which occurred on Monday, August 20, one of those killed was identified as spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), The Guardian reports.

While sources close to the PDP supporters claimed that three persons were killed when they attempted to assassinate the caretaker chairman of Brass local council area, Victoria Isiah, the APC supporters claimed that the deaths occurred when some members of the IYC challenged over 10-armed men suspected to have been hired by the PDP from the neighbouring Odioma community.

A source from the community, Charles Junior, said the clash took place when APC leant that PDP had camped thugs in the local council chairman’s lodge.

“The whole incident started on August 15, with the attack on the IYC chairman in Brass. Though the attackers and their PDP supporters were chased out of the town, but the elders pleaded that they be allowed back into town," Junior said.

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He said the armed men were heading towards Imbikiri part of the town when the IYC challenged them.

An aide to the caretaker chairman blamed the clash on the provocation by some APC youths, who he accused of earlier attacking the council’s special adviser on youths matter.

The caretaker chairman in a Facebook page, said: “A few days ago, some suspected armed APC youths attacked the local council chairman’s aide and PDP youths, and attempted to assassinate the caretaker chairman.”

The said clash has been confirmed by the spokesperson for the Bayelsa state police command, Asinim Butswat, who said policemen had been deployed to restore peace in the area.

Meanwhile, a former senator and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Etang Umoyo on Monday, August 20 refused to show up to a special rally partly organized in his favour by Akwa Ibom governor Emmanuel Udom.

According to Vanguard’s report, Governor Udom and his supporters were greatly disappointed when Umoyo failed to appear at the endorsement of the Akwa Ibom chief executive officer for a second term.

Umoyo, who represented Eket senatorial district from 1992 to 1993, was said to have been expected to announce his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the PDP Eket Senatorial District rally but shunned the event.

While the organizers of the event did not explain the ex-lawmaker’s absence Vanguard quoted a family source as claiming that Umoyo was hospitalized on Sunday, August 19 and so could not make it to the rally.

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