*Harps On Adherence To Safety Protocols
*Authority, Police Condole Victims’ Families, AGN
THE National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has disclosed that at as of the last count on Thursday, April 11, one person was still unaccounted for/missing, while two persons died at the scene of the accident, two more bodies recovered 24 hours later off-site and seven others rescued, even as search and rescue efforts continued.
NIWA, in a condolence message by its acting General Manager (Marine), Dakio Horsfall, in Lokoja, Kogi State, condoled the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the families of the victims over the losses, just as it stressed the need for all users of the inland waterways to adhere to all the established safety protocols, including the completion of passenger manifest at the loading and offloading points.
“The usage of life jackets on the waterways is mandatory, avoiding over speeding and yielding to weather dictates at all times,” he said.
The mishap, reportedly involved two boats on the River Niger en route to Asaba in Delta State about 2pm on the sad day, which involved an unregistered fiberglass boat with 12 persons on board and a privately owned wooden boat with a lone driver, left four persons dead, while seven others were rescued.
One of the dead was Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.
Horsfall said: “Preliminary reports indicated that the accident resulted from a frontal collision between the two boats due to over speeding.
“Sadly, two people died at the scene of the accident, two more bodies were recovered 24 hours later off-site, while seven persons were rescued.
“Consequently, the Authority commiserates with the families of the deceased persons and pray that the good Lord will repose the souls of the departed.”
He said that upon the receipt of the report of the accident through its community-based structure, NIWA deployed its search and rescue team to the scene for immediate rescue activities.
The team and other stakeholders, including the local divers, he noted, swung into action and have continued the search and rescue effort since then.
“As of the last count, one person is still unaccounted for.
“Also, the Marine Department of NIWA has activated its accident investigation mechanism with a view to determining the cause(s) of the accident and make appropriate recommendations,” he said
He stressed the need for all users of the inland waterways to adhere to all the established safety protocols, including the completion of passenger manifest at the loading and offloading points.
“The usage of life jackets on the waterways is mandatory, avoiding over speeding and yielding to weather dictates at all times,” he said.
Horsfall commended the Marine Police, local divers/fishermen, maritime unions and other good-hearted Nigerians who rose to support the Authority in its rescue efforts, assuring Nigerians of its continuous efforts aimed at promoting safer inland waterways for the use of all.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has extended its condolences to the AGN and all who knew and cherished Junior Pope, as well as the other actors who died in the mishap.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Muyiwa Adejob, on his X handle, Said: “The loss of these talents is a profound tragedy in the entertainment industry and the country at large.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
“As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, we join in mourning the lives cut short and pray for the peaceful repose of their souls.”
