Toba Owojaiye
Benin City, Edo
The Nollywood community is heartbroken from the devastating news of a boat mishap that took the life of esteemed actor Mr. John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, and four other crew members.
Truth Live News gathered that the incident occurred on the waterside of River Niger Cable point in Asaba on April 10, 2024, during the filming of a movie titled “The Other Side of Life,” produced by Adamma Luke.
In response to this tragic event, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, under the leadership of National President Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas MON, has issued a series of directives:
⁃ Suspension of Films Featuring Riverine Areas and Boat Riding. All movie productions involving riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely, pending further review and safety assessments.
⁃ Nationwide Shooting Moratorium: There will be no filming activities taking place on any location across the country on Thursday, April 11, 2024, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and to allow time for reflection and mourning.
⁃ Indefinite Suspension of “Another Side of Life: The film project “Another Side of Life” is suspended indefinitely in light of the tragic incident.
⁃ Ban on Collaboration with Adamma Luke: No actor is permitted to collaborate with Adamma Luke as a producer until further notice, as the Guild conducts investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
⁃ Condolences and Remembrance: The Guild extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. As efforts continue to locate the bodies of the remaining missing individuals, the Guild prays for their souls to rest in peace.
The Nollywood community mourns the loss of Junior Pope and the other victims of this unfortunate accident. As investigations unfold, the industry remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its members involved in film production.
This comes in the wake of public outcry about the safety of movie crew while moving in between locations.