The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has revealed that a tragic boat mishap claimed the lives of Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, along with two others. The incident, which occurred in the outskirts of Onitsha in the Akpaka Area and Nsugbe of Anambra East local government area, involved a total of 12 individuals.

According to NIWA, seven people were rescued, while three individuals remain missing. The Area Manager of NIWA, Suleiman Nicholas, confirmed that rescue and recovery efforts are underway at the scene, with assistance from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and the Marine Police.

Nicholas emphasized the importance of waiting for an official report on the cause of the mishap, as initial information may not be entirely accurate. He assured that NIWA personnel are actively working to locate the missing victims and provide closure to their families.

Regarding the identity of the deceased, Nicholas stated, “My team has confirmed that Junior Pope was among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.”

As the search and recovery operation continues, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this heartbreaking event. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.