Police start investigation into Jnr Pope’s death in River Niger

The Police in Anambra state said it has begun an investigation into the boat accident that claimed the life of actor Junior Pope on the River Niger on Wednesday afternoon.

Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, who conveyed the condolences of the Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye to the families of those who lost their lives, further expressed deep regrets over the incident.

He added that the command did its best to ensure the rescue of actors when the incident was brought to her knowledge.

Ikenga stated that the boat was one of two that conveyed the crew to a film location in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State and was returning to Asaba, where it took off from when the accident happened.

“On being notified of the capsize, Anambra Command Marine Police deployed for rescue operations and successfully rescued six actors and one actress from the water,” Ikenga said.

“Two others who were unconscious were also pulled out with the aid of fishermen and conveyed to the Delta State Command Marine Police Jetty where other members of the crew who travelled in the first boat were waiting and handed over to the President of the Actors Guild for conveyance to the hospital while the rescue team went back in search of three others who are still missing as at the time of this release.”

He added that although the accident happened within the jurisdiction of Anambra State Command, issues relating to release of bodies of the accident victims for a decent burial are to be handled by Delta State Police Command.

He conveyed the condolences of the Commissioner of Police, Adeoye to the family, friends and fans of the actors who died as a result of the boat mishap and prayed Almighty God to grant their souls a sweet repose.

Ikenga said preliminary enquiry has given insight into the cause of the accident, adding that exhaustive investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police with a view to determining criminal liability of any person in the mishap.

Shock trailed the death of the actors including Obumneme Odonwodo popularly called Junior Pope, as the boat they were travelling in capsized on the River Niger.

Junior Pope began his acting career in 2006 and has acted in more than 150 Nollywood movies including Bachelor Eve, Vengeance of Bullet, Bitter Generation, The Generals, Wrong Initiation, The Cat, Nkwocha, Secret Adventure, among others.

He tied the knot with his wife, Jennifer Awele in 2014 and their marriage is blessed with three children.

Likewise, the Force PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Actors Guild of Nigeria and all who knew and cherished John Paul Odonwodo, fondly called Junior Pope, as well as the other actors whose lives were tragically shortened in the recent boat mishap on the River Niger. The loss of these talents is a profound tragedy in the entertainment industry and the country at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time”.

“As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, we join in mourning the lives cut short and pray for the peaceful repose of their souls”.