The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has provided detailed information regarding a boat accident involving Nollywood star John Paul Odonwodo, known as 'Junior Pope.' The incident occurred in the Akpaka area, a suburb of Onitsha and Nsugbe Anambra East Local Government Area, as the victims were returning from shooting a movie in Anam.
According to Mr. Suleiman Nicholas, the NIWA Area Manager, there were twelve individuals on the ill-fated boat. Seven individuals were rescued, two were discovered deceased, and three individuals remain missing - two females and one male. Mr. Nicholas confirmed that his team, along with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Marine Police, are currently conducting rescue and recovery activities at the scene.
When asked about the cause of the incident, Mr. Nicholas stated that the report on the cause may not be entirely accurate at this time. He explained that his team is awaiting a report from the scene and that they are currently working to recover the missing individuals. Furthermore, Mr. Nicholas mentioned that Junior Pope was among the individuals who lost their lives in the incident.
This boat accident is the second of its kind in the area, following the January 4th-5th accident that occurred in Umumu Umuebwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government area. The boat involved in that accident reportedly capsized after hitting a barrier upon arrival at Umumu Umuebwelum Anam.