Nollywood actress and producer, Adanma Luke, has issued a heartfelt plea for forgiveness from Nigerians following the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of actor John Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, and four other crew members during the production of her movie, Okay.ng reports.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Monday, Luke, who produced the movie titled The Other Side of Life, revealed that she has been battling depression since the incident occurred in April. The actress expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and acknowledged the heavy criticism she has faced online.

“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,” Luke said, her voice filled with emotion. “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?”

The actress disclosed that the incident has left her struggling with depression, making it difficult for her to work or even reach out to people for new job opportunities. “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.

Luke also addressed rumors about her taking a vacation, clarifying that she has been in seclusion, dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy. “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.”

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the boat accident, Luke explained that she had asked for a better location to shoot the movie and was assured by her team that the area was safe. “I haven’t visited Asaba in the past two years until that incident. I asked for a better location to shoot that movie, and they took me there,” she shared.

She further revealed that she had inquired about the lack of life jackets during the shoot and was told by her production manager that it was common practice in the area. “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. They’ve been shooting there; I wasn’t the first person to shoot a movie there; they shoot there all the time. I wasn’t even filming on the water; it was a means of transportation to the place,” Luke added.

As she continues to grapple with the tragedy, Luke is appealing for prayers and understanding from the public. “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 pleaded.