- Fatal bus crash on Sagbama–Ekeremor Road in Bayelsa
- Passengers were heading to the burial of late Deputy Governor
- More than 10 people reportedly lost their lives
- Several others rushed to hospital with serious injuries
Tragedy struck Bayelsa State on Friday as an 18-seater bus conveying mourners to the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was involved in a deadly road accident, leaving more than 10 people feared dead and several others critically injured.
The accident happened along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road on Friday, January 30, 2026, according to reports.
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Eyewitnesses said the bus, which was filled with passengers travelling to Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area for the burial ceremony, lost control before crashing. The impact was described as severe, with bodies reportedly trapped inside the wreckage.
Sahara Reporters confirmed that over 10 passengers lost their lives, while many others sustained serious injuries. The injured victims were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for emergency medical care.
The passengers were on their way to honour Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died suddenly on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60. He reportedly collapsed in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa, sending shockwaves across the state.
His burial, scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, follows several funeral activities, including a Day of Tributesattended by top dignitaries such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and former Governor Seriake Dickson.
Reacting to the tragedy, a resident of the area said: “It is painful that people who were going to pay their last respects ended up losing their lives. The road needs urgent attention.”
Senator Ewhrudjakpo previously represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly between 2019 and 2020.
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders and security officials were still assessing the situation, while families of the victims anxiously awaited confirmation of their loved ones’ condition.