Junior Pope Boat Mishap Caused By Human Error, Says Bola Oyebamiji,

Junior Pope boat mishap on Anam River was due to human error, not mechanical failure, NIWA reveals, urging strict adherence to water safety protocols

Junior Pope boat mishap on the Anam River in Anambra State, which tragically claimed the lives of the Nollywood actor and four others in 2024, was caused by human error, not mechanical failure, according to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

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NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, revealed this during a multi-modal transportation stakeholders forum held in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that several passengers had refused to wear life jackets that were offered to them before the accident occurred.

“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,” Oyebamiji stated.

He emphasized that such negligence seriously undermines NIWA’s efforts to ensure safety on the waterways and called on all passengers and operators to strictly follow safety protocols.

The fatal incident happened in April 2024, when Junior Pope and members of a film crew were returning from the set of Another Side of Life, a movie produced by Adanma.

Their boat capsized at Cable Point near the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.

The Junior Pope boat mishap sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the beloved actor.

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NIWA’s latest findings reaffirm the urgent need for increased safety awareness and personal responsibility during water travel.