Bayelsa PDP rally claims 2

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 14.05.2008

Sensitisation rally embarked upon by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) late on Monday claimed the lives of two people, including a journalist working with the state-owned electronic medium, Radio Bayelsa.

The victims were: Preye Vellor of Radio Bayelsa and Sergeant Monday, an orderly to the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Ayakemeh Whiskey.

The rally, tagged “Sensitisation Political Rally,” was organised by one of the aides to the former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, ahead of the main rally scheduled to take place in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

The boat in which they were travelling, according to the police report, capsized shortly after they left Angalabiri in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. While other occupants of the boat managed to swim to safety, Preye and Monday were not so lucky

A similar incident happened late in 2003, when two journalists in the state lost their lives while accompanying one of the commissioners in Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha government to one of the coastal communities in the state.

The late journalist, who anchored the early morning programme- “Wake Up” got married about three weeks ago in Benue State.

Confirming the accident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Iniobong Ibokette, said two people lost their lives in a boat accident on Angalabiri waterways in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.