Anambra Boat Mishap: Seven Persons Rescued, Three Still Missing
By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said it has recovered the corpse of Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope (JP) and one other body.
The agency said seven persons were rescued while three others in the ill-fated boat were still missing.
The Nollywood actors were said to be returning to Onitsha after shooting a movie at Anam in Anambra West local government area of Anambra State when the mishap occured.
NIWA Area Manager in Onitsha, Mr Suleiman Nicholas said that contrary to the claims that the incident happened in Anam, Anambra West, it actually happened at the Akpaka, a high brow suburb of Onitsha and Nsugbe in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State.
He said there were 12 persons that boarded the ill-fated boat, which was almost getting to its destination when it capsized.
Mr Nicholas said that out of the three missing persons, two were female, while one was male, adding that his men were already at the scene of the incident at Akpaka area, conducting rescue and recovery activities, with the men of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Marine Police.
Asked if the popular Nollywood actor, John Paul Odobwido, aka Junior Pope was one of the dead victims, Nicholas said: “My people said Junior Pope was one of the dead”.
NIWA boss added: “Whatever information you get now as the cause of the incident may not be accurate as we are waiting the report from my men who are at the scene of the incident.
“My men are on the water now to recover the remaining three missing victims.”
Meanwhile, following the unfortunate death of energetic actor, Junior Pope, who drowned while returning from a movie set, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has suspended all film productions involving riverine areas and boat rides.
The suspension was disclosed in a statement released by the AGN President, Mr Emeka Rollas.
It also barred all actors from featuring in any movie produced by Adamma Luke.
Adamma is the producer of the movie that actor Junior Pope was featuring in before his tragic death.
The AGN statement read, “Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the life of Junior Pope and three other crew members at waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on April 10, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
“There should be no shoot on all locations nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
“The film titled ‘The other side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely. “Also, no actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice.
“While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”
Dominica Nwabufo
