The Nigerian film industry is once again in mourning following the tragic death of two young Nollywood actors who passed away during a movie production in Owerri, Imo State. The sad news, which has generated widespread grief and reflection, was confirmed by Stanley OnTop, a Nollywood actor and filmmaker who revealed on Instagram that four crew members were rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Owerri after falling seriously ill, and two were confirmed dead on arrival.
The incident reportedly occurred after a film shoot when the producer decided to treat the cast and crew to drinks as a way of celebrating their hard work. However, what was meant to be a simple gesture of appreciation turned into a nightmare. After consuming the drinks, two actors identified as Evans and Nnunu, along with other crew members, began to show severe symptoms including vomiting and intense pain. Despite efforts to provide immediate care, the situation worsened rapidly, and they were rushed to the hospital. Sadly, Evans and Nnunu could not be saved, while two others remain hospitalized with their condition being closely monitored.
In response to the tragedy, the Imo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation has commenced to determine the actual cause of the deaths. The authorities have also arrested the movie director and three other individuals who were involved in the production. According to the police, an autopsy will be conducted to provide clarity and guide further actions.
He said, “Yes, the Command is aware of the unfortunate incident of unnatural death. I can confirm that two people were pronounced dead while two were hospitalised.
“As I speak with you, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma has directed the Pathologist to conduct tests on the two deceased persons to ascertain the cause of their deaths.
“The results will determine the next line of action on the matter.”
This devastating event comes just days after the industry held a memorial for the late actor Junior Pope, who also died during a film shoot. The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has expressed deep sorrow over the latest loss, emphasizing that the actors involved were not members of the Guild. He reiterated that the AGN has continuously warned about the dangers of operating outside the proper structure of the film industry.
Emeka pointed out that the industry is seeing a troubling pattern of deaths, especially involving actors who work outside the safety guidelines provided by established bodies like the AGN. He stressed that many self-proclaimed filmmakers now spring up with a camera and claim to be part of Nollywood, operating in unsafe and unregulated environments. He also highlighted the need for content creators to be properly licensed, as the current lack of oversight continues to pose serious risks.
In a heartfelt appeal, Emeka called on Nollywood stakeholders to come together in prayer and spiritual preparation, revealing plans for a special prayer outing with Pastor Jerry Eze. He urged actors and filmmakers to take their safety seriously and not overlook the need for proper affiliation with regulatory bodies, stating, “We cannot continue like this.”
He said, “So sad some actors who are not members of Actors Guild just lost their lives while filming in Owerri.
“We have repeatedly warned that actors must join the Guild to practice in Nollywood.
“Barely a week after the memorial service of our member late Junior Pope, tragedy struck in Owerri involving two promising young actors.
“They are not members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria but this points to two things: the devil still wants this pattern of mass death repeated on an annual basis.
“If not for God the death toll in Owerri could have been four persons. Exactly the same number last year in Asaba. Please let all actors and indeed Nollywood prepare for this year’s prayer outing with pastor Jerry Eze.
“We cannot continue like this. Everywhere in the country people just wake up and equip themselves with cameras and they have become Nollywood.
“This is a bad trend. These people camp themselves in an unhealthy, unverified environment making content. Content creators have to be licensed.”
