The crash occurred on Friday along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road. The victims were inside an 18-seater bus carrying passengers to the burial ceremony of the late Bayelsa deputy governor.

A journalist, Isaac Ombe, was among the people who lost their lives in a road crash in Bayelsa State while on their way to attend the burial of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The crash occurred on Friday along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road. The victims were inside an 18-seater bus carrying passengers to the burial ceremony.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

The Federated Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, confirmed Mr Ombe's death in a statement forwarded on Saturday to PREMIUM TIMES.

The statement, signed by the chapel's Chairperson, Tife Owolabi, and Secretary, Emem Idio, stated that the late Ombe was a former member of the chapel and that the incident has left the journalism family in the state heartbroken.

"Ombe was a thoroughbred journalist of impeccable integrity and dedication. He had distinguished himself through his work with reputable media outfits such as The Nation, National Mirror, The Comet, News Express and The Verbatim.

"He was also a former executive member of our chapel before he transitioned to serve at the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority," the statement stated, adding that the late Ombe would be remembered for his passion for truth, professionalism, and camaraderie.

The Chairperson of the Federated Correspondents Chapel, Mr Owolabi, expressed condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues. He prayed for the repose of the departed soul.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ombe family, the NUJ Bayelsa family, and all those affected by this tragedy.

"May God console our hearts and grant eternal rest to Isaac Ombe and the other victims. We mourn with you, and we stand in solidarity."

A report by the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the Bayelsa Commissioner for Health, Seiyefs Brisibe, as saying that two persons, and not 10, died from the crash, while others were responding to medical treatment.

The late Bayelsa deputy governor, Mr Ewhrudjakpo, 60, slumped and died on 11 December last year while performing his duties at the Government House, Yenagoa.