NEW DETAILS Emerge On How Jnr Pope & 4 Others Died In Boat Tragedy; Read To Find Out
Fresh details have emerged about the tragic boat accident that claimed the life of Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, and four others. Contrary to earlier reports, Junior Pope did not have access to a life jacket during the ill- fated journey on April 10 at the Anam River in Anambra State.
Prince Uvo Kevin Oghogho, Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) committee investigating the disaster, revealed, ” No life jacket was provided to the late actor. ” This contradicts viral stories suggesting Junior Pope had refused a life jacket. Oghogho further noted that only the Director of Photography and the Sound Engineer had life jackets, which they hired from the boat operators.
According to Oghogho, the boat operators quickly brought out new life jackets after the accident, indicating that life jackets were not routinely provided to passengers. ” When the accident occurred, the operators quickly brought out new life jackets. They had not been making life jackets available to passengers previously, ” he said.
Detailing the events leading to the tragedy, Oghogho stated, ” The outboard engine fibre boat conveying the cast and crew of the movie, produced by Adamma Luke, departed Asaba jetty with Ononno jetty as the destination. As they embarked on the journey at about 12. 30 pm, according to the survivors, Jnr Pope was making a video, while his colleagues on board were catching fun with him. ”
The boat driver, distracted by the fun happening on board, crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe, causing the boat to capsize. ” The boat driver’ s attention was drawn to the scene, as he was looking back to catch a glimpse of the action, while he was at high speed. He eventually crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe, leading to the speed boat capsizing and emptying all the occupants into the Anam River. Five passengers died on the spot, while seven were rescued alive, ” Oghogho recounted.
Oghogho also debunked claims that Junior Pope was murdered and thrown into the river. He explained that a doctor assigned to the marine police performed CPR on Junior Pope and another victim named Friday, confirming their deaths before taking their remains to the Asaba morgue.
The AGN committee has recommended that the Ministry of Transportation or Inland Waterways enforce the provision of life jackets for all passengers before boarding any water transport. Oghogho emphasized, ” There’ s also a need to educate our colleagues on safety measures because we tend to take risks. ”
Junior Pope’ s funeral took place in his hometown of Ukehe, Nsukka, Enugu State, where family and friends gathered to bid farewell to the beloved actor.
