Human Error Blamed for Fatal Boat Mishap Involving Nigerian Actor
In a recent Multi-Modal Transportation Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, revealed that a 2024 boat mishap involving Nollywood actor Junior Pope was not due to technical faults, but rather, human error.
Oyebamiji stated that the tragedy occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State, where Junior Pope and four others lost their lives. The boat capsized around Cable Point on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, while they were returning from a movie shoot for ‘Another Side of Life’, produced by Adanma.
“ıt was not a mechanical failure or challenges posed by the weather or river conditions,” Oyebamiji explained. “Rather, it was a clear instance of passengers rejecting life jackets offered to them, evidencing a flagrant disregard for safety protocols on Nigerian waterways.”
Oyebamiji expressed concern that such disregard undermines NIWA’s tireless efforts to ensure safety on the nation’s inland waterways. He called upon all waterway users to support NIWA in promoting safety awareness across the country.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Director-Generals of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the CEO of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema.
This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while traveling on waterways. The Nigerian government, through bodies like NIWA, continues to emphasize the need for all waterway users to prioritize safety.
