Nollywood actress and producer Adanma Luke has publicly apologized to Nigerians following the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of actor John Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, and four others.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the filming of her movie. The Other Side of Life in April.
In a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram page, Luke expressed her deep sorrow, revealing that the tragedy has left her in a state of depression.
She shared, “I’m just here to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Nigerians. I’m sorry I took away your loved ones from—what people are saying.”
The actress admitted that she has been struggling to cope emotionally since the incident, stating that her mental health has been deteriorating. “I’m very sad. Inasmuch as I try to be strong, I don’t see myself strong.
“I’m so sad that this had to happen on my set. I’m sad that they had to work for me at that particular time. I’m not God. It has been destined to happen, it is meant to happen, but why me?” she said.
“I never liked the internet drama, but this whole thing put me out there. A lot of people have been dragging me; some have been calling me, ‘Ada, don’t talk. Let this die; don’t talk.’ But I go through a lot.
“I did not even know what depression was until this incident happened. I’m gradually losing my life. I’m regretting a lot of things. I don’t even know how to call people for jobs.”
She lamented how rumors have circulated about her personal life, adding, “People are even saying I went on vacation. I’m here for business. I’ve been indoors doing nothing and yet still catering to the families that lost their loved ones. Where do you people expect me to get all the money from? I need to work.
“My friends want me to get my sanity back, but I’m not seeing myself doing all that.
“I believe that if anything happens to me now, everybody will rest. I didn’t do it on purpose. God, why me? Please, Nigerians, I’m sorry. You don’t know what I’m going through.”
She mentioned that she had requested a safer location for the movie shoot but was reassured by her team that the location was secure. “I asked for a better location to shoot that movie, and they took me there. The first time I went there before the main shooting, I asked why they weren’t providing life jackets. Then my PM told me that is how they do it there—that a lot of people have been crossing and nothing is happening,” she explained.
The actress continues to seek prayers and support as she navigates the aftermath of this tragic event.