Lokpobiri mourns victims of fatal Bayelsa Road crash

2026-02-01 - 16:49

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road accident that claimed two lives on Friday along the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road at Orua community in Bayelsa State. The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Yenagoa to Ofoni for the burial of a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Reports said the bus collided with a truck, resulting in the death of two passengers, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. In a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant, Media and Communication to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Lokpobiri described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that it occurred at a time when the state was already in mourning. “It is deeply saddening that lives were lost in such tragic circumstances, especially when families and loved ones were gathered to pay their last respects to a revered leader,” the minister said. He commiserated with Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state over the incident, describing it as a painful loss to the entire state. “This is a tragic loss not only to the affected families but to Bayelsa State as a whole. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this unfortunate incident,” he said. The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for divine comfort and strength, and also expressed concern for those injured in the crash. “I pray for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries and that they receive the best possible medical care,” he added. Senator Lokpobiri further urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during periods of increased travel, while reaffirming his solidarity with the people of Bayelsa State in their moment of grief.