Junior Pope: Family calls for privacy as NSIB begins probe of boat ...

Family of the late Nollywood star, John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, yesterday reacted to the sudden death of the actor in a boat accident during a movie shoot, saying the circumstances surrounding his death were “wholly avoidable.”

According to the family in a statement signed by Dr Divine Odonwodo, Junior Pope’s funeral arrangements will be announced soon, but they appealed to the public to give the family some privacy, “as we grieve and mourn this irreparable loss”.

Odonwodo explained that having a burial date will not stop authorities from investigating the tragic incident.

This is as the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched investigation into the boat mishap that occurred on Anam River in Anambra on Wednesday. This was disclosed in a statement by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.

The tragic incident involved a commercial speedboat and a fishing canoe. The boat carrying 12 film crew members and a boat operator crashed into the canoe, resulting in the loss of five lives. Among the deceased was Junior Pope, Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.

“NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident”, Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed. “We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrence in the future.”An investigation team has been dispatched to the accident site, and inquiry has begun.

The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to: examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members, and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.

According to her, the NSIB will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts during the investigation.The bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion. These reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.