A journalist named Isaac Ombe was among those who died in a tragic road accident in Bayelsa State as they were en route to the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
This fatal crash took place on Friday along the Toru-Orua segment of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road. The travelers were aboard an 18-seater bus that was transporting passengers to the funeral ceremony.
The Federated Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, confirmed the passing of Mr. Ombe in a statement released on Saturday to PREMIUM TIMES.
The statement was jointly signed by the chapel’s Chairperson, Tife Owolabi, and the Secretary, Emem Idio. It described the deceased journalist as a former member of the chapel, expressing the deep sorrow felt within the journalism community in the state.
"Mr. Ombe was a dedicated journalist with a reputation for integrity and commitment to his craft. He distinguished himself through his contributions to esteemed media organizations such as The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express, and The Verbatim. He previously served as an executive member of our chapel before moving to the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority,” the statement detailed, noting that he would be remembered for his passion for truthful reporting and professionalism.
Mr. Owolabi extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, offering prayers for the peace of the departed. "We are with the entire Ombe family, the NUJ Bayelsa family, and all who are mourning as a result of this tragedy. May God comfort our hearts and provide eternal rest to Isaac Ombe and the other victims. We grieve alongside you, standing in unity during this difficult time."
In a report from the News Agency of Nigeria, Bayelsa's Commissioner for Health, Seiyefs Brisibe, clarified that the number of fatalities was two, contrary to earlier reports which suggested ten, while the other injured individuals were receiving medical attention.
The late Deputy Governor, Mr. Ewhrudjakpo, 60, passed away suddenly on December 11 of the previous year while he was on duty at the Government House in Yenagoa.
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