Producer Speaks Out on Junior Pope’s Tragic Death During Movie Shoot
In the wake of the devastating boat accident during a movie shoot in Delta State, film producer Adanma Luke has come forward to shed light on the tragic events that led to the loss of popular Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others.
As reported by PREMIUM TIMES, the incident occurred when the boat capsized in Anam River in Anambra State, claiming the lives of five individuals, including Junior Pope.
In a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram handle, Mrs. Luke disclosed that Junior Pope’s refusal to wear a life jacket during the boat journey was a contributing factor to his untimely demise. She recounted how other crew members, including the director and director of photography, had followed safety protocols by wearing life jackets. However, Junior Pope declined to use one, citing its uncleanliness.
Despite efforts to provide him with safety measures during the accident, including throwing him a gallon to hold onto, Junior Pope tragically disappeared amidst the chaos.
While Mrs. Luke did not confirm the circumstances surrounding the other crew members’ lack of life jackets, her revelation underscores the importance of adhering to safety precautions during movie productions, especially in hazardous environments like riverine areas.
In response to the tragic incident, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) declared a ‘No Shoot Day’ and suspended movie productions involving riverine areas indefinitely. Additionally, they suspended the production of the movie responsible for the accident, ‘The Other Side of Life,’ produced by Adamma Luke.
Furthermore, AGN President Emeka Rollas announced that actors are prohibited from collaborating with Adamma Luke until further notice, emphasizing the need for accountability and safety measures in the film industry.
Meanwhile, authorities in Anambra State have launched an investigation to determine any potential criminal liability in the deaths of Junior Pope and the other victims, signaling a commitment to seeking justice for the tragic loss.
