Double Tragedy Strikes Bayelsa State as Two Die En Route to Deputy Governor's Funeral
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Bayelsa State has been struck by a double tragedy as two individuals lost their lives in a fatal road accident while traveling to the funeral of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The incident occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026, casting a shadow over the already somber occasion of the deputy governor's burial.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tragic accident took place along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor road, a route frequently used by travelers in the region. According to reports from residents and confirmed by local media, an 18-seater bus carrying passengers collided with another vehicle. This violent impact resulted in the immediate death of two individuals, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
The victims were en route to the burial ceremony in Ofoni community, located within the Sagbama local government area. Their journey, intended to pay final respects to the departed deputy governor, ended in tragedy, adding to the grief already felt across the state.
Emergency Response and Official Statements
Following the accident, emergency services were swiftly mobilized to the scene. The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, confirmed that injured passengers were receiving emergency medical care at a nearby hospital. Medical teams worked diligently to stabilize those affected by the collision.
On the security front, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammad, provided updates on the situation. Muhammad disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the accident scene with dual objectives: to conduct rescue operations for survivors and to maintain order at the location. He noted that details regarding the exact number of fatalities were still being verified as investigations continued.
Context of the Deputy Governor's Passing
The funeral that the victims were traveling to attend was for Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The deputy governor had reportedly collapsed at his office in the Government House in Yenagoa and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead. His death was attributed to an apparent cardiac arrest, though Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the precise cause.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo was laid to rest on the same day as the accident, January 30, 2026, making the timing of this road tragedy particularly poignant. The state had already been mourning the loss of a key political figure, and this accident compounded the sorrow felt by residents.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, particularly on routes connecting rural communities to urban centers. The Toru-Orua axis, where the accident occurred, is part of the transportation network that serves Bayelsa State, and such tragedies underscore the need for improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
The double tragedy of losing both a deputy governor and citizens traveling to his funeral within a short timeframe has deeply affected the community. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
