Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has described the death of actor John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope as devastating.
According to reports on Wednesday, a boat carrying several actors including Junior Pope capsized in Anam River, Anambra State. The actors were reportedly on their way to a movie location.
Junior Pope was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead after several of his colleagues claimed he was still alive.
Some of the actors are believed to still be underwater.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Obi wrote on X on Thursday, “I am shocked by the reports of the death of yet another vibrant Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. Our entertainment industry, and indeed our dear nation, is once again thrown into mourning, by the death of this young talented actor.
Three crew members missing as Junior Pope confirmed dead
“Junior Pope was known for his energetic acting, always comically delivered to entertain and educate. He brought smiles to the faces of many through his roles in movies and comedy skits.
“His death is yet another great loss to the entertainment industry which has in recent years risen to become a most vibrant sector of our social and economic life. I am even more saddened to imagine the pain and agony of the families they have just left behind.
“Death is a very painful experience, but the death of a young one with a promising future is even more devastating. I sincerely commiserate with his family and the families of others who also lost their lives in the boat accident.
“I also condole with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire entertainment industry. May God give them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss, and grant eternal rest to the dead.”
