“Darkness, Death & Disruption in Yenagoa: 3 Killed in Obogoro Crash as Bayelsa Erupts Over ‘No Light’ Gas Project and Market Shutdown During Bola Ahmed Tinubu Visit”
....…“Bayelsa’s Black Friday: Fatal Crash, Closed Markets, and Questions Over Idle Gas Turbine”
By Passman Akpos
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Tragedy struck on Friday in Obogoro, near the popular Four Road junction in Yenagoa, as at least three persons were reportedly confirmed dead following a fatal road accident that occurred during the visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eyewitness accounts and local reports indicate that the crash, allegedly involving a vehicle identified by residents as belonging to one “Lloyd Joe,” happened close to residential areas, sending shockwaves through the community. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear at the time of filing this report, though speculation has linked it to traffic disruptions and movement restrictions imposed during the presidential convoy’s passage.
Residents expressed grief and frustration, with some noting the proximity of the incident to their homes. “It happened just close to my house,” one witness lamented, as others questioned whether the situation could have been avoided.
The incident comes amid widespread reports that commercial activities, including operations at the bustling Swali Market, were temporarily halted due to security arrangements for the President’s visit. While authorities have not officially confirmed that the closure directly contributed to the accident, some residents raised concerns about the economic and logistical impact of such measures.
“Why should people be deprived of their daily income because of a presidential visit?” one resident queried, echoing sentiments circulating across social media platforms.
Unverified claims also surfaced suggesting that the presidential convoy may have been a factor in the incident, though no official statement has corroborated this. Authorities are yet to release a detailed report clarifying the sequence of events or confirming the identities of the victims.
The accident casts a shadow over what was otherwise a high-profile visit by President Tinubu, who was in Bayelsa to inaugurate several infrastructure projects and commend Governor Douye Diri for his leadership.
The development has further fueled ongoing public debate in Bayelsa, especially following earlier reactions to the commissioning of a 60MW gas turbine project that residents say is yet to deliver electricity.
As investigations continue, residents are calling for greater transparency, improved traffic management during official movements, and measures to prevent future tragedies.Authorities have urged calm while promising a full inquiry into the incident.
