By Peter Omopo
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and people following the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly passed away in December 2025.
Lieutenant General Shaibu conveyed his condolences on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa. The visit formed part of the COAS’ maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which includes Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief described the loss as painful and significant, not only to Bayelsa State but to the nation as a whole. He urged continued prayers and support for the family of the deceased.
The COAS also commended the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly the 16 Brigade, noting that such cooperation remains critical to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and the maintenance of security.
He specifically praised Governor Diri for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments for personnel of the 16 Brigade. According to him, the intervention was timely and impactful.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said the new accommodation facilities would significantly ease housing challenges faced by troops, boost morale and enhance operational efficiency within the brigade.
The Army Chief, who noted visible infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago, assured the state government of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration in ensuring peace, security and stability.
In his response, Governor Diri thanked the COAS for the condolence visit and reaffirmed the Bayelsa State Government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The governor commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, adding that sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and the state government had contributed significantly to the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa.
Governor Diri formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged the continued commitment of his administration to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
The visit, according to officials, further underscored the strong civil-military relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Bayelsa State Government, aimed at sustaining peace and enhancing operational effectiveness within the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
