There were several gunshots heard at the venue of a rally organised by NEW Associates, a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital, POLITICS NIGERIA reports.

The rally, coordinated by George Turnah, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, was underway when sporadic gunfire disrupted proceedings, with participants and bystanders scampering in panic.

It is understood that security operatives quickly moved in to restore calm to the venue, and normalcy has since returned.

Speaking shortly after the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of the NEW Associates in Bayelsa State, insisted that the rally would proceed as planned.

There has been brewing tension between the supporters of Wike and the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, over the decision to stage the rally in the state.