The Anambra State Police have made a tragic discovery, recovering three more bodies from a boat tragedy, including the well-known Nollywood star Junior Pope Odonwodo.
Initial reports suggested that Junior Pope and others had drowned in the Anam River after their boat capsized during a film shoot. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed that out of the 12 individuals involved, seven were rescued, two were found deceased, and three – two females and one male – were reported missing.
However, Anambra State Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga revealed in a statement on Friday that the bodies of the three missing Nollywood stars had been recovered. Two bodies were found on April 11, 2024, while the third was washed ashore on Friday morning.
“All the bodies have been deposited in a hospital mortuary in Asaba, and the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has been informed of the recovery,” said Ikenga.
The statement did not disclose the identities of the deceased individuals whose bodies were recovered. Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, emphasized the importance of safety for all water travelers and urged them to avoid actions that could jeopardize their lives or the lives of others while traveling on water.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise during water travel, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety at all times. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.