The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has announced the suspension of all film productions involving riverine locations, following the reported death of the actor Junior Pope.
Pope, whose real name is Johnpaul Odonwodo, drowned in the Niger River in Asaba, Delta State, en route to a movie shoot on Wednesday. Reports indicate he was accompanied by fellow actors at the time of the incident.
The national secretary of AGN, Abubakar Yakubu, first announced the actor's death due to a boat mishap but revised his statement a few hours later, stating that Pope was in a coma.
Tragically, on Thursday morning, AGN president Emeka Rollas confirmed Junior Pope's passing.
Rollas, who had previously expressed hope about the actor's condition, admitted his first post was out of excitement when he noticed Pope's "tingling fingers."
"In light of this heartbreaking event, the AGN has taken decisive action," Rollas announced.
"The production of the movie titled 'Another Side of Life', which Junior Pope and the crew were en route to before the accident, has been suspended."
The AGN president also instructed that no one should collaborate with Adamma Luke, the movie's producer, "until further notice."
Rollas declared Thursday, April 11, as a 'No Shoot Day' for all filmmakers as a mark of respect for Junior Pope and the crew members who lost their lives.
In an official statement, the AGN outlined its decisions: "All films involving riverine areas and boat riding are hereby suspended indefinitely.
"There will be no shooting at any location nationwide on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The film titled 'Another Side of Life' is suspended indefinitely.
"No actor is permitted to work with Adamma Luke as a producer until further notice. As we continue to search for the remaining bodies, may their souls rest in peace."
