The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed profound grief over a tragic road accident that claimed two lives on Friday along the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road in Orua community, Bayelsa State.

The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus conveying passengers from Yenagoa to Ofoni for the burial of a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The bus reportedly collided with a truck, resulting in the death of two passengers, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Senator Lokpobiri described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that it occurred at a time when the state was already engulfed in mourning.

“It is deeply painful that lives were lost in such tragic circumstances, especially at a moment when families and loved ones had gathered to honour the memory of a respected leader,” the minister said.

He commiserated with Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the entire state.

“This tragedy is not only a loss to the affected families but to Bayelsa State as a whole. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone touched by this unfortunate incident,” he added.

The minister also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for divine comfort and strength, while expressing 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 attention,” he said.

Senator Lokpobiri further urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the roads, especially during periods of heavy travel, and reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Bayelsa State in their moment of grief.