The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has officially disclosed that the tragic boat mishap which claimed the life of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others on the Anam River in Anambra State in April 2024 was caused by human error rather than mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions.
According to NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, the accident was a result of passengers’ disregard for safety protocols, including the refusal of some passengers to wear life jackets that were offered to them. The incident was not linked to any fault in the boat’s engine or navigational challenges on the river.
Oyebamiji highlighted that safety rules and regulations governing inland waterways were flagrantly ignored, undermining NIWA’s efforts to ensure optimum safety. He urged waterway users to support safety awareness initiatives across the country.
The ill-fated boat was carrying 12 passengers, of whom seven survived. Junior Pope, whose real name was John Paul Odonwodo, reportedly declined to wear a life jacket, which could have increased his chances of survival. Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest that he was aware of the danger as water began to seep into the boat before the tragedy.
Junior Pope was a beloved Nollywood actor known for his vibrant personality and rich filmography, and his death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s film industry, prompting calls for stricter safety measures on film sets and during transportation.
The tragic event underscored the urgent need for improved enforcement of water travel safety standards in Nigeria, especially for personnel involved in film production and other commercial activities on the waterways.