Bayelsa mourns four NAF crash victims

File: Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri.

The Bayelsa State Government has mourned four indigenes of the state who were among the 25 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force killed in Monday’s plane crash in Ondo State.

The government observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims during the 198th meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Douye Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

The four Bayelsans were identified as Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area; Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel from Yenagoa; Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka from Ekeremor; and Godstime Tarabina from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Speaking during the meeting, Diri expressed grief over the deaths, saying the tragedy had deeply affected the state.

The governor said he had earlier condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff and the families of the deceased before the identities of the victims were officially released.

He said, “The state has been deeply affected by this tragedy. We extend our condolences to the families of our four citizens who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.”

Diri noted that, in line with the President’s directive, flags across the state were flying at half-mast, adding that his administration would liaise with relevant authorities to explore measures to alleviate the pain of the bereaved families.

The governor also used the meeting to appreciate Bayelsans for their massive participation in activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state.

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He said the large turnout demonstrated the people’s love for Bayelsa and their commitment to the state’s development.

According to him, the anniversary was not a political party affair but an opportunity for the people to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its present position and chart a course for its future.

Diri commended the anniversary committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, as well as government officials, citizens, diplomats, federal agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the celebrations.

He urged Bayelsans to sustain the spirit of unity and togetherness displayed during the anniversary, stressing that greater development could only be achieved when the people worked together.

On the 2027 political season, the governor urged politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based and civil campaigns instead of insults, character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric.

He advised political actors to campaign on their records, policies and programmes, as well as what they intended to achieve for the people.

Diri said political differences should not destroy the existing bonds among Bayelsans.

He said, “Politics will come and go, but we will still remain the same brothers and sisters. Our communities will not be taken awa