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…Two others hospitalized
Tragedy struck Nigeria’s bustling Nollywood industry on Thursday night as two film makers died and two others were hospitalized after consuming a certain alcoholic beverage, “Calypso” following a film shoot in Owerri, Imo State.
Three individuals have since been arrested in connection with the incident, as authorities investigate potential poisoning or contamination of the beverage.
The victims, identified as actor Evans and videographer Nnunnu were part of a film crew celebrating the successful completion of their shoot.
According to a Facebook post by Nollywood actor Chukwudi M Udokwu, the producer of the project had purchased “Calypso” drinks as a gesture of appreciation for the team. Shortly after consumption, Evans, Nnunnu, and two others began experiencing severe vomiting and debilitating pain.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crew initially mistook the symptoms for minor stomach aches and attempted first aid. However, the condition of Evans and Nnunnu rapidly deteriorated, leaving them “on the ground, clutching their stomachs and battling for their lives.”
Delays in securing transportation to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri proved fatal, as both were declared dead by doctors upon arrival at the hospital.
The two surviving crew members whose conditions were critical were quickly plugged to oxygen support and are reportedly responding to treatment.
Multiple sources disclosed the arrest of three individuals linked to the incident, though their identities and roles have not been stated.
Investigators are probing whether the Calypso bottles consumed were counterfeit, contaminated, or laced with toxic substances.
Udokwu’s emotional Facebook post highlighted the shock and grief that rocked the Nollywood industry following the ugly incident: “The pain was unbearable… We pray God sees the survivors through.”
Colleagues and fans have flooded social media with tributes and expressions of grief for their deceased colleagues.
Meanwhile the Imo state chairman of the Production Managers Guild of Nigeria (PMGN), Mr Noble Okpara has confirmed the incident but has not specified the cause of their death.
In a short press statement following the tragedy, the PMGN called on all its members in Imo state to suspend every production currently going on in the state.
“Our taskforce team have been directed to ensure that this directive is strictly enforced”, the statement read.
