Junior Pope: FG Probes Anambra Boat Accident

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a thorough investigation into the tragic boat accident that occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State last Wednesday.

In a statement released on Sunday, Bimbo Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, stated that the bureau is committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

The accident resulted in the loss of five lives, including the well-known Nollywood actor, Paul Odonwodo (popularly known as Junior Pope), Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing.

According to reports, the speedboat, which was carrying twelve film crew members and a boat operator, collided tragically with a canoe.

The NSIB’s investigation aims to determine the factors that led to the collision, identify any contributing elements, and recommend preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.

Captain Alex Badeh, the Director General of NSIB, confirmed that an investigation team has been dispatched to the accident site, and an inquiry is already underway.

Badeh said:

“The investigation scope includes, but is not limited to, examination of the wreckage from both vessels involved in the collision, interviews with surviving crew members and eyewitnesses, review of operational procedures for the commercial speed boat, analysis of weather and environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and assessment of compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations for inland waterway transportation.

“The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”