The Delta State Government has banned travelling on its waterways without putting on life jackets and ensuring other safety measures.

The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnamdi Ijeh, made this known in a condolence message to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent boat mishap on the River Niger.

The boat accident claimed the life of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, and four crew members.

Ijeh’s message was made available to newsmen in Asaba, Delta State on Monday, April 15.

According to the letter dated April 11, 2024, the commissioner conveyed the sympathies of the state government and the creative family in the state in the unfortunate incident of April 10, 2024.

He said: “On behalf of the State Government, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the entire creative family in the state, I sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives in the process of expressing their creative talent on their way from the location of shooting a movie on April 10, 2024, and the entire Nollywood family.

“It is with a heavy heart that I want you to know that we share in your pain. At the time the news got to us, we arrived at the scene and discovered that the few ones who were saved from the boat accident were on life jackets.

“It is therefore very expedient that, at this time of grief, to say that henceforth, such journeys should not be embarked upon without life jackets, expert divers and other safety precautions.”

Ijeh added: “The Delta State Government takes the life of every citizen as a priority and therefore warns against water journeys without the required safety gadgets, especially those within the entertainment industry.”