RismadarVoice Reporters
January 30, 2026
Tragedy struck on Friday as 18-seater bus conveying passengers to the burial of Bayelsa State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was involved in a fatal road accident along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road.
The accident, which occurred on a major route within the area, reportedly claimed the lives of more than 10 passengers, according to initial information from eyewitnesses and local sources.
Several other occupants of the bus sustained varying degrees of injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Emergency responders and residents were said to have assisted in rescue efforts before the injured were taken to hospitals.
The victims were travelling to Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, to attend the burial of late Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who died suddenly on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.
The burial ceremony is scheduled to hold today, January 30, 2026, following a series of funeral activities, including a Day of Tributes which drew prominent dignitaries from across the country.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and former Governor Seriake Dickson.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to release an official statement on the cause of the accident, while efforts were ongoing to identify the deceased and contact their families.
The incident has cast a sombre mood over the burial proceedings, as mourners and residents expressed grief over the loss of lives in an event meant to honour a departed leader.
