The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has offered his condolences to the families of Junior Pope Odonwodo Pope, a popular actor, and four others who lost their lives in a boat accident on the River Niger. The unfortunate incident occurred when they were returning from the set of a movie titled “The Other Side of Life,” which was produced by Adanma Luke, an actress and producer.
Governor Soludo also extended his sympathies to the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the entire film industry, recognizing the gravity of the tragic accident. In an official statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of these “talented, promising, young Nigerians” who were pursuing their career dreams.
Soludo emphasized the need to prioritize safety measures in water transportation in Nigeria, particularly by ensuring the availability of life jackets, employing lifeguards, and providing proper first aid, such as CPR, to victims. He urged practitioners in the Nollywood industry to adhere to necessary safety precautions during riverside engagements, emphasizing the importance of preserving lives.
Additionally, the governor pledged his support for the development of the creative entertainment industry and recognized its significance in fostering well-rounded societal growth. He highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Anambra State Government, such as the construction of the ‘Solution Fun City’ in Awka, the transformation of Agulu Lake into a tourist attraction, and the modernization of the state’s water transportation system to boost tourism and economic activities.
Governor Soludo concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the boat tragedy victims and expressing hope that their families, friends, and industry colleagues would find solace in their cherished memories.
Meanwhile, Adanma Luke, the producer of the ill-fated movie, broke her silence and shared her account of the incident through a series of videos on her Instagram page. She revealed that she was supposed to be on the capsized boat but was delayed while delivering a memory card to the crew on set. Luke recounted how she received the devastating news from one of the crew members and expressed her disbelief and shock over the tragedy. She also mentioned her efforts to recover the bodies from the river and arrange for their proper burial.
Luke disclosed that life jackets were available on the boat, but Junior Pope, the late actor, reportedly declined to wear one due to its condition. She expressed her deep sorrow and considered the deceased individuals to be her family, as they had often traveled to Lagos to work with her.
In a related development, the Anambra Police Command confirmed the arrest of the two boat operators involved in the accident. The state police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the producer of the movie, Adanma Luke, had voluntarily presented herself to the police. He further stated that other cast and crew members would be summoned for questioning in due course.
