The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has finally revealed what many feared — the heartbreaking boat accident that claimed the life of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others was not caused by mechanical failure or bad weather, but by human error.
This shocking disclosure was made public by NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, during a transportation stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja on Thursday, where safety on Nigeria’s waterways took center stage.
What Really Happened?
According to Oyebamiji, passengers on the ill-fated boat reportedly ignored critical safety procedures, including refusing to wear life jackets provided to them. 😳
Omo, can you imagine? Life jackets wey fit save lives oh.
He stressed that the accident wasn’t due to technical faults, water obstacles, or even weather conditions. In his words:
“It was not mechanical failure, not impediments in the water or weather challenges, but purely a flagrant disregard for rules and regulations guiding movement on the inland waterways.”
The Painful Incident
In case you missed it…
The tragic event happened in April 2024, when Junior Pope Odonwodo and four other crew members lost their lives after their boat capsized on the Anam River, while returning from the set of a movie titled “Another Side of Life”, produced by Adanma Luke.
The mishap occurred around Cable Point on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, throwing Nollywood and the entire nation into deep mourning.
Omo this is painful 💔… such a bright star gone too soon, and now we’re learning it could’ve been avoided.
Stakeholders React
The forum in Abuja didn’t just stop at unveiling the cause. It also saw the attendance of major figures including:
- Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
- Director-General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
- Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency
- Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace
These leaders echoed the call for stricter enforcement of waterway safety laws, and more importantly, nationwide awareness campaigns to stop further tragedies.
Final Note: A Preventable Loss
NIWA’s conclusion serves as a harsh reminder that safety rules are not suggestions — they’re lifesaving mandates. Oyebamiji emphasized the need for all passengers and boat operators to take personal responsibility and comply with guidelines moving forward.
