The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said that the boat accident which claimed the life of actor Junior Pope and four others was caused by human error, not mechanical failure.
Managing director of NIWA Bola Oyebamiji made this known on Thursday at a multi-modal transportation stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja.
“It was not mechanical failure, not impediments in the water or weather challenges, but purely a flagrant disregard for rules and regulations guiding movement on the inland waterways,” he said.
According to him, findings showed that life jackets were available for all passengers on the ill-fated boat, but several crew members and passengers refused to wear them.
Junior Pope died on April 10, 2024, after falling into the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie shoot.
The movie, The Other Side of Life, was produced by Adanma Luke.
The actor and four others drowned after their boat capsized. They were on their way to Asaba, Delta State, when the tragedy occurred.
The incident led to widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on waterways.
Junior Pope was buried on May 17 in his hometown, Ukehe, in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Born in Bamenda, Cameroon, the 43-year-old was known for roles in movies like Secret Adventures, No Way Through, Honey Money and Gbege.
He was married to Jennifer Awele and they had three sons together.
Junior Pope’s death remains one of the most shocking losses in the Nigerian film industry this year.
