Wole Shadare 
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the fatal boat accident that occurred on the Anam river in Anambra State last Wednesday. This tragic incident involved a commercial speedboat and a fishing canoe.
The boat carrying 12 film crew members and a boat operator reportedly crashed into the canoe, resulting in the loss of some lives. Among the deceased was popular Nollywood actor, Mr. Paul Odonwodo, known professionally as ‘Junior Pope’, Ms Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.
“The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heart breaking accident”, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB, expressed. “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.”
A statement by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji said an investigation team has been dispatched to the accident site, noting that inquiry has begun.
The investigation scope she said 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.
NSIB, she reiterated, will collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Marine Police section of the Anambra State Police Command, maritime authorities, and industry experts during the investigation. “The bureau will release its findings in a preliminary report, followed by a final report upon the investigation’s conclusion.
These reports aim to enhance safety by providing recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims affected by the Anam boat mishap.”
Meanwhile, Adanma Luke, the producer of the ill-fated movie, who had hitherto been silent since the day of the accident, in a series of videos on her Instagram page narrated her side of the story, claiming that the late Pope was offered a life jacket, but he rejected it because it was dirty.
She also revealed that she was supposed to be on the boat that capsized. Luke further revealed that she couldn’t speak because she felt it was all a dream and hoped to be awakened from it. She added that she had been making efforts to recover the other bodies from the river and transporting them to their families to be laid to rest.
