Following the tragic boat accident on the River Niger involving actor Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, and four others returning from a movie set, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The accident occurred during the return journey from filming “The Other Side of Life,” produced by actress and producer Adanma Luke.

Governor Soludo also extended his sympathies to the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the entire film industry, acknowledging the profound loss suffered. In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures in water transportation, stressing the importance of life jackets, lifeguards, and first aid protocols.

Soludo underscored the critical role of safety compliance in safeguarding lives during film productions, urging Nollywood practitioners to prioritize safety protocols. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the entertainment industry’s development, citing ongoing projects aimed at enhancing tourism and economic activities.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Adanma Luke, the movie’s producer, broke her silence on the incident, recounting the events leading up to the accident. Luke revealed that Junior Pope had declined a life jacket due to its condition, shedding light on the harrowing moments during and after the capsizing.

Expressing her profound grief, Luke considered the deceased crew members as family, emphasizing their dedication to their craft. She shared her anguish over the accident occurring on her set and expressed self-blame for the decision to relocate the filming location.

In response to the incident, the Anambra Police Command confirmed the arrest of the boat operators and the voluntary cooperation of Adanma Luke with the ongoing investigation. The police assured that all aspects of the accident would be thoroughly examined, with no detail overlooked.

As investigations continue, the state remains committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of the tragic boat mishap.