Boat Mishap: True Story Behind Jnr Pope, Four Others’ Deaths Revealed

Nollywood actor Jnr Pope and four others lost their lives in a boat accident on April 10 at the Anam River in Anambra State. Contrary to circulating reports, investigations have revealed that Jnr Pope was not provided with a life jacket, debunking claims that he rejected one before boarding the ill-fated boat.

Prince Uvo Kevin Oghogho, Chairman of the investigative committee set up by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), clarified that no life jackets were provided to the late actor by the boat operators. He emphasized that only two passengers, the Director of Photography and the Sound Engineer, were wearing life jackets which they had hired from the boat operators. “As soon as the accident occurred, the boat operators quickly brought in new life jackets. All along they were not making life jackets available to passengers,” Oghogho stated.

The revelation came during an interview with our reporter shortly after Oghogho presented the committee’s report to the National Executive Council of the guild in Lagos. This report, delivered three months after the accident, sheds light on the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

Narrating the sequence of events, Oghogho explained that the outboard engine fiber boat was carrying the cast and crew of a movie produced by Adamma Luke, departing from Asaba jetty with Ononno jetty as its destination. “At about 12:30 pm, according to survivors, Jnr Pope was making a video while his colleagues were having fun. The boat driver, distracted by the commotion, looked back to catch a glimpse of the action while speeding. He eventually crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe, causing the boat to capsize and throwing all occupants into the Anam River. Five passengers died on the spot, while seven were rescued alive,” Oghogho recounted.

He also dismissed rumors that Jnr Pope was killed and thrown into the river, explaining that the blood observed gushing from his nostrils was not unique to him, as another victim exhibited similar symptoms. According to Oghogho, a doctor attached to the marine police performed CPR on Jnr Pope and another victim named Friday, confirming them dead before their bodies were taken to the morgue in Asaba.

The committee has recommended that the Ministry of Transportation and Inland Waterways Authority enforce stricter regulations requiring life jackets for all passengers on watercraft. “There’s also a need to educate our colleagues on safety measures because we tend to take unnecessary risks,” Oghogho added.